best beers with more subdued, subtle qualites...

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by Crackerbarrel, Apr 22, 2015.

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  1. Crackerbarrel

    Crackerbarrel Initiate (0) Feb 10, 2014 New York

    Awful thread title, but....

    I frequently come across someone saying that its easy to like the big, intense flavors that are ubiquitous in IPA/IIPA's, stouts, sours, etc....and another thing to appreciate the more subtle qualities and delicate balance that other truly great beers are about, even though they are often overshadowed by the former.

    These kinds of comments always resonate with me. Anyone have a list of beers they enjoy that fall into this? I feel drinking more of these beers would help sensitize me to some of the finer qualities, and also help my homebrewing...
     
    #1 Crackerbarrel, Apr 22, 2015
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  2. BeerBob

    BeerBob Initiate (0) May 30, 2002 Nebraska

    #2 BeerBob, Apr 22, 2015
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  3. Sponan

    Sponan Initiate (0) Jan 20, 2008 Tennessee

    A personal favorite is Devil's Backbone Vienna Lager. Many classic styles from the various European countries should be exactly what you are looking for.
     
    #3 Sponan, Apr 22, 2015
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  4. AlpacaAlpaca

    AlpacaAlpaca Maven (1,384) Apr 2, 2014 New York
    Trader

    Nooner! I find that really well made pilsners have the most rewarding subtle flavors
     
    #4 AlpacaAlpaca, Apr 22, 2015
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  5. bluehende

    bluehende Initiate (0) Dec 10, 2010 Delaware

    I will second Devil's Backbone Vienna. Also any well made pilsner. Troeg's Sunshine Pils is good.
     
    #5 bluehende, Apr 22, 2015
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  6. keithmurray

    keithmurray Pooh-Bah (2,967) Oct 7, 2009 Connecticut
    Pooh-Bah

    Stoudt's Gold
     
    #6 keithmurray, Apr 22, 2015
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  7. zid

    zid Grand Pooh-Bah (3,132) Feb 15, 2010 New York
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Most recently: Weihenstephaner Original

    Be aware of the context in which you try such beers. I find that when you drink beers like this exclusively for a little while, it's much easier to pick up on the aspects to appreciate. In other words, try not to drink one following a RIS or it might get lost.
     
    #7 zid, Apr 22, 2015
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  8. NCMonte

    NCMonte Initiate (0) Jan 28, 2014 North Carolina

    New Belgium's Fat Tire also falls into this category for me.
     
    #8 NCMonte, Apr 22, 2015
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  9. HeislerGold

    HeislerGold Zealot (577) Oct 19, 2013 Michigan

    Great Lakes Eliot Ness & Dortmunder Gold
    Alaskan Amber
    Thirsty Dog Twisted Kilt Scottish Ale
     
    #9 HeislerGold, Apr 22, 2015
  10. jakemn91

    jakemn91 Pooh-Bah (2,172) Jun 14, 2013 New Mexico
    Pooh-Bah

    Subtle (and in my opinion underappreciated) styles include Kölsch, Pilsner, and Vienna lager.
     
    #10 jakemn91, Apr 22, 2015
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  11. bostonwolf

    bostonwolf Zealot (656) Jan 20, 2015 Massachusetts

    I found the Bruery Oude Tarte to be extremely drinkable. Got it with a tasting menu and it paired well with just about every dish.
     
    #11 bostonwolf, Apr 22, 2015
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  12. TheEpeeist

    TheEpeeist Maven (1,434) Nov 5, 2008 Virginia
    Trader

    Hill Farmstead Walden
     
    #12 TheEpeeist, Apr 22, 2015
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  13. LehighAce06

    LehighAce06 Pooh-Bah (2,240) Jul 31, 2010 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    @AlcahueteJ probably has a lot to say on this topic.

    For me personally I haven't spent a lot of time with the more subtle styles lately but I will always enjoy anything Weihenstephaner puts out. I also can't think of a beer from Forest & Main or Tired Hands that I haven't liked; the latter is more known for very flavorful hoppy and farmhouse beers, but both make their share of "more subtle" styles.
     
    #13 LehighAce06, Apr 22, 2015
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  14. Crackerbarrel

    Crackerbarrel Initiate (0) Feb 10, 2014 New York

    Just put one in my fridge for this very reason, and will be drinking it promptly
     
    #14 Crackerbarrel, Apr 22, 2015
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  15. Crackerbarrel

    Crackerbarrel Initiate (0) Feb 10, 2014 New York

    I hear that; part of my reason for posting was to get a bunch of suggestions so I can fill my fridge with these and let the 'flavor bombs' chill for a while.

    I'll keep an eye out for Weihenstephaner Original; their Hefe is one of my faves.
     
    #15 Crackerbarrel, Apr 22, 2015
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  16. Crackerbarrel

    Crackerbarrel Initiate (0) Feb 10, 2014 New York

    I frequently hear these styles spoken of in this context. I was interested in seeing if most of the posts would be beers of these styles, or if some IPA's/Pale Ale's would also be mentioned.
     
    #16 Crackerbarrel, Apr 22, 2015
  17. bcp5296d

    bcp5296d Initiate (0) Aug 7, 2012 North Carolina

    I thought JK Blanc de Blanc was very subdued yet complex and juicy.
    Also, Perennial Funky Wit Apricot was similar.(this one might be my fav apricot AWA of all time)
     
    #17 bcp5296d, Apr 22, 2015
  18. Shroud0fdoom

    Shroud0fdoom Initiate (0) Oct 31, 2013 Maryland

    This is so true, while I am a fan of the IPA style, I still gravitate to Euro-style Porters/Stouts, Doppels....etc. The flavor compounds are light yet pack an intense aftertaste. Like at the moment I've been crushing some Anchor Flying Cloud, I wish Anchor would make it year round. It's good to get away from the "In Yo Face" American Style brews once in a while.
     
    #18 Shroud0fdoom, Apr 22, 2015
  19. WesMantooth

    WesMantooth Grand Pooh-Bah (4,844) Jan 8, 2014 Ohio
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Lots of lagers, but I would say Vienna, Helles, and Marzens for sure.
    Also Irish Reds and Brown Ales
     
    #19 WesMantooth, Apr 22, 2015
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  20. CheapHysterics

    CheapHysterics Initiate (0) Apr 1, 2009 Pennsylvania

    Fuller's ESB.
     
    #20 CheapHysterics, Apr 22, 2015
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