A beginners guide to craft beers

Craft beer has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Whether you're a novice or an experienced craft beer enthusiast, this beginner's guide will provide you with all the information you need to learn about craft beers and get started on your journey.

Introduction
Are you looking for something new and exciting to try? If so, then craft beer is the perfect choice! It offers a wide variety of flavors and styles that are sure to please even the pickiest of palates. From IPAs to stouts, porters, lagers, ales, sours, and more – there's something for everyone when it comes to craft beers. In this guide, we'll explore what makes craft beer so special and how you can get started on your own journey into the world of craft beers.

What Is Craft Beer?
Craft beer is defined as any beer made by an independent brewery that produces fewer than 6 million barrels of beer annually. This means that most smaller breweries producing high-quality products are considered "craft" brewers. The term was created in the late 1970s as a way to differentiate between large-scale commercial brewers and small-scale artisanal ones who were creating unique flavor profiles with their beers.

The main difference between craft beers and mass-produced beers is the quality of ingredients used. Craft brewers use only the finest ingredients available such as locally sourced hops and grains, which gives their beers a unique flavor profile not found in mass-produced beers. Additionally, many craft brewers experiment with different styles of brewing such as barrel aging or using wild yeast strains which further enhances the complexity of their beers.

Different Types Of Craft Beer
There are many different types of craft beer available today ranging from light lagers to dark stouts and everything in between. Here are some of the most popular styles:

IPAs (India Pale Ales):
These hoppy ales have become increasingly popular over the last few years due to their intense hop flavor profiles and high alcohol content (typically 5% - 7% ABV). They range from light golden hues all the way up to deep amber colors depending on how much malt is used during brewing process.

Porters & Stouts:
These dark ales typically have a roasted malt flavor profile with notes of coffee or chocolate depending on what type of malts were used during brewing process. They range from 4% - 8% ABV depending on style.

Lagers:
These light-colored ales are usually crisp with subtle hop character due to cold fermentation temperatures used during brewing process (typically 45°F - 55°F). Most lagers range from 4%-6% ABV although some stronger versions can reach upwards of 8%.

Ales:
These full-bodied ales tend to be more flavorful than lagers due warm fermentation temperatures used during brewing process (typically 60°F - 75°F). Ales range from 4%-8% ABV depending on style with some stronger versions reaching upwards 10%.

Sours:
These tart ales have become increasingly popular over recent years due their unique flavor profile created by wild yeast strains or bacteria added during fermentation process (such as lactobacillus or brettanomyces). Sour ales typically range from 3%-7% ABV depending on style with some stronger versions reaching upwards 10%.

How To Enjoy Craft Beer
Now that you know what types of craft beer are available let’s explore how best enjoy them! Here are some tips for getting started:

1) Start slow: Don’t jump right into drinking strong IPAs or sours – start off by trying lighter styles such as lagers or wheat ales first before moving onto more complex flavors such as stouts or sours. This will help build up your palate so you can better appreciate all types of craft beers!

2) Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new things! There are so many different styles out there – don’t limit yourself by sticking only one type! Try different breweries too – each one offers its own unique take on classic styles which can be quite fun!

3) Pairing food & drinks: Craft beer pairs well with food just like wine does! Try pairing different flavors together – for example an IPA goes great with spicy dishes while a stout pairs nicely with desserts like brownies or ice cream!

4) Take notes & share your experiences: Keep track of what you’ve tried by taking notes about each one – this will help you remember which ones you liked best so you can buy them again later! Also don’t forget to share your experiences online – whether it’s through social media posts or reviews – this helps other people discover new favorites too!

Conclusion
Craft beer is an incredibly diverse beverage that offers something for everyone no matter their tastes preferences or experience level. By following these tips and exploring different styles & breweries you'll soon find yourself enjoying all sorts of delicious brews! So go ahead – grab yourself a pint glass & get started on your journey into the wonderful world of craft beers today!