Lately i have been drinking a lot of IPAs, obviously there is a lot of talk about IPAs and many of the high rated beers are within that style. I am interested in exploring a style that may be under appreciated that has a lot of good choices. What are some of your favorite beer styles and what would be some good beers to try within that style?
Comparing the first 4 side by side would be an excellent way to explore the style. They are all well-regarded, and each has its own personality. Some hefeweizens favor the banana-y esters, some the clove-y phenols, some strive for an overall balance.
I second the hefeweizen recommendation and you could even throw Sierra Nevada Kellerweis in there for a great domestic version. For something different, you might want to consider going the Belgian route and trying some Belgian pale ales, saisons, and tripels. Maybe not the most underappreciated, but certainly highly regarded and plenty of good versions available. Happy hunting! Belgian Pale Ales: Duvel, La Chouffe, Delirium Tremens, Brooklyn Local 1. Saisons: Boulevard Tank 7, Saison Dupont, Ommegang Hennepin. Tripels: Allagash Tripel, Tripel Karmeliet, Westmalle Tripel, Unibroue La Fin du Monde, St. Bernardus Tripel.
American Red Ale: Stone Leviathan Cream Ale: Newburgh Cream Ale or ICA Schwarzbier: Saranac Black Forest
Weizenbock - My favorites include: Schneider Weisse Tap 6 Unser Aventinus Weihenstephaner Vitus Goat Boy - Southern Tier Brewing Company
Belgian Pale Ale. They usually carry some nice fruity notes and are pretty easy to put down. Lost Abbey Devotion Spencer Trappist Ale Orval Trappist Ale Ommegang Rare Vos
Helles Lager. In addition to the big German breweries, these are some great American takes on the style, that are great for any occasion: Surly Hell Three Floyds Gorch Fock Pennsylvania Brewing Penn Gold
