There are several beer styles that I've not yet had the opportunity to try. Barleywines would be an example. (One of these days, I have every intention to try one! In other words, I haven't intentionally ignored them.) Another style would be DIPAs (Double IPAs). I love good IPAs. Here's my question. I understand that DIPAs will likely have more IBUs and a higher ABV than traditional IPAs. But is there be a significant difference in taste between an IPA and a DIPA?
I'm sure you'll enjoy barleywines. My advice is to find some Sierra Nevada Bigfoot and start with that. As for IPAs and DIPAs, there's a higher hop intensity in DIPAs. However, some DIPAs tend to be more balanced than regular IPAs. Dogfish Head 90min IPA is classified as a DIPA but I taste a balance of malts and hops rather than a hopbomb. As for a beer style that I have yet to have, I have not tried sours. I had my first sample of an American Wild Ale the other day (Allagash FV13) and now I have one waiting for me. I also have yet to try gueuzes and lambics but I also have an Allagash Coolship Cerise waiting for me as well.
Wow, Jaromir Jagr. Big Penguins fan here! Thanks for your post. I haven't had a gueuze yet either. But I think you'll like Lambics.
Barleywines for me as well. I haven't intentionally avoided them, I've just been seeking out different Saisons, IPA's, etc. Matter of fact, next time I go the store I'll probably pick up some Bigfoot.
For anyone not initiated into the world of sours, I think Lindemans Gueuze Cuvee Rene is a great introduction. It's not a "beginner sour" or a "good gueuze for the price," it's a sour everyone can enjoy and is great regardless of the price.
I would recommend Rodenbach Grand Cru or Duchesse de Bourgogne for someone wanting to try some sours. They're both great examples of Flanders style ales.
I've never had an American Dark Wheat Ale, Chile Beer, an Unblended Lambic, English Pale Mild Ale, Roggenbier, Kvass, Euro Dark Lager or Happoshu (note: I have not reviewed all these styles but know for a fact I've had at least one example of all remaining styles at some time)
It's not a sour, but try New Glarus Berliner Weiss. If you enjoy that small bit of tart, move on to New Belgium La Folie. If you like that try Lindemans Cuvee Rene. Those should be some slow steps for you to test with easy to find "sours."
