Craft beer has been around a long time, but it has recently exploded in popularity. Try these brews if you’re interested in always trying something new and supporting small business. When you head out to happy hour, you may be amazed at all the options available to you. Know the most popular types of craft beer to know which ones you want to try.

Popular Types of Craft Brews

1. IPA

The India Pale Ale, which is commonly referred to as an IPA, highlights the hop in the beer. This is the most popular type of craft beer. The caramel malt provides a sweet balance to the bitterness of the hops for a sharp finish. They often feature a fragrant aroma such as flowers, citrus, or pine. Its alcohol-by-volume — ABV — is between five and seven percent.

2. Blonde Ale

The blonde ale is also called a golden ale. These beers are light to medium golden in color. It is considered an easy-drinking beer due to its dry and crisp finish. It is lightly sweet and malty, without a sharp bitterness. Its ABV is between 3.8 and 5.5 percent.

3. Porters

The porter ale originally hails from England. This is a darker beer with low hops and fruitiness. Instead, it tends to have a light-roasted malt, often paired with hints of nuts, toffee, caramel or chocolate. There is a large range in “heaviness” to this drink, with the Irish types being drier and the Imperial being heavier. Its ABV is between four and 5.4 percent.

4. Amber Ale

The amber, or red, ale is a primarily American beer. This is a universally loved ale due to its easy-drinking nature while still offering plenty of flavor. The balance between hops and malt varies widely, but they tend to have a moderate sweetness. They are called amber ales because the medium to dark malt used creates a reddish color. Its ABV may be anywhere between six and 10.5 percent.

When you’re ready to enjoy a craft beer with friends, head to Tampa Joe’s sports bar in Tampa, FL. They have a mouthwatering selection of fresh American food with a wide variety of beers to match. You’ll enjoy an unparalleled ambiance with great food at affordable prices. See their drink specials online and call (813) 901-9590 to make a reservation.