While there are specific guidelines for making brews, such as steeping grains and adding hops, craft beer experts are known for thinking outside the box to create something new. How much traditional beer guidelines get ignored depends on the brewer, but most beers start out in one of a few categories. That’s where creativity comes in, and the results can be quite delicious, as proven by the huge popularity of craft styles. Here’s a closer look at the four basic types of craft beer so you can make more informed decisions next time you’re meeting up with friends.

4 Staple Craft Beer Styles

1. India Pale Ale

Affectionately known as IPAs, India pale ales are light-colored, hoppy beers with higher alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage than standard lagers and ales. They were originally crafted during the British Empire’s occupation of India in the late 1700s, with English brewer George Hodgson the first to export beer to the subcontinent. He used more alcohol and hops to preserve the brew during its long voyage to the exceptionally hot country, resulting in the famous name. Many modern IPAs feature a subtle citrus finish.

2. Stout

Originally produced in Ireland, stout beer has a dark brown, almost black hue. It can feature a bitter or creamy taste and has a thicker head than other beers. Guinness® is still the best-known stout, though many varieties, including oatmeal, coffee, and milk stout, have cropped up since its 1730 inception. Stouts are also known for having a filling effect on the drinker while often—but not always—having a lower ABV than most beers.

3. Cream Ale

Light-hued cream ales came about before the U.S. Prohibition period. The idea was to create an American lager in the style of an ale, so lager and ale yeast were often used to create the brew. Hops don’t have much of a presence in cream ales, which can range from 4.0 to 8.5% in terms of ABV.

4. American Pale Ale

When the Sierra Nevada® Pale Ale burst onto the market in 1981, the American love affair with craft beer was arguably cemented. The bold hop taste was unknown among American libations, as were the hints of pine, grapefruit, and caramel malt the original Sierra Nevada ale is still known for. The strong taste offsets the beer’s light color. And while ABV varies for American pale ales, they are rarely below 5%. 

Delight your taste buds with craft beers from Gilly’s Sports Bar, serving Dunwoody/Atlanta, GA, area with good brews and good times. This restaurant and sports bar has remained an area fixture for over 20 years and features big-screen TVs, free WiFi, and a catering space. Call (770) 817-2789 today to learn about the latest food and drink specials or review the menu online, then come down and pull up a stool.