Progression in Palate development.

Hard left to saisons.

 

barley wines, then triple ipa, then double ipas

 

Belgian Strong Ales is one street over.

 

I'm thinking old ales, barley wines, Russian Imperial Stouts, Belgian Strong Dark Ales. Probably in that order too. And that will probably take you a while to move through. There's a lot within each of those to explore.

 

Also True Belgian IPAs (aka from Belgium itself). Really spicy-hoppy but not in your face as much as American IPA offerings. Houblon Chouffe and Poperings Hommel are a good starting point IMO

 

How about English and English-styled IPAs? More balanced, not as hoppy as the US tongue-biters. Many have some residual sweetness.

 

Go for some Oktoberfests as they are in season now. Also, heading for some Belgian Strong Dark Ales, as Yemen mentioned is a good suggestion. I would also suggest Quads. However, this beer is one you need to try if you haven't:

http://deepstudy.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/chimayb_130714896.gif

 

I never had a progression ... well, not really.

First time I had Boston Lager I thought it was too bitter, then I had it again, and liked it. Now I'm already into a lot of different beers. I never thought I'd care for IPAs, and here I am.

But in your case, I just say step up to something bitter. That's all I had to get past... bitterness.

EDIT: I see you don't want IPAs just yet. Ohp. :x

 

I'm sipping on a Sierra Nevada Torpedo right now. Did NOT think I'd freely drink IPAs so soon. What is it about IPAs that "scares" you, I guess? Just curious.

EDIT: Ah. Malt fan. I'm a malt and hop fan, so I can appreciate mostly any beer. Hops is apparently a pretty acquired taste, so.

 

old/strong ales. pumpkins are coming into season, soon winter warmers.
try reagular pale ales before ipas. i like pales but not ipas.

 

Try a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, I thought it was too hoppy the first time I had it. It's good to experience the hoppy, bitter flavor of those beers and then come back to them.

 

I can recommend trying some dubbels and quads. there are many out there that are not in your face but are good representations of the style.

 

i have to wholeheartedly endorse the belgian strong dark/quad suggestion. couple of recommendations (all are widely available, albeit not necessarily economical):

rochefort 8 and/or 10
chimay blue
st bernardus abt 12
cuvee van de keizer blauw (blue)

 

Seems like your palate is kinda like mine. Anyways I suggest trying belgian dark ale/ quad next. St. Bernardus Abt 12 and Trois Pistoles are very solid/ easy to get representations of the style. And since they are in season now, how about an oktoberfest? Easy drinkin, yet flavorful brews. I recommend Ayinger's oktoberfest, Great Lakes Oktoberfest and 3Floyds Munsterfest, thought you can't go wrong with a Sam Adams Octoberfest. Also perhaps a more malty ipa. I remember really enjoying DFH 90 minute. And lastly a nice authentic German Hefeweizen. It's hard for me to find anyone that doesn't enjoy that style.

 

Any palate development that does not include IPAs is not really development IMHO.

 

Your next step is to start trying some India Pale Ales.

You must learn to appreciate and love thy hop.........



Cheers