Beerly illiterate, looking for help

I personally got started by basically trying anything and everything I could find. I live in the middle of nowhere though so that was basically guinness, newcastle, the odd IPA here or there, but we didn't have anything terribly 'fancy', nothing for imports, no belgians of any kind. Killian's I think was one of the first beers that made me want to start looking around. Delirium Tremens just blew the f*cking lid off it when my friend ordered it just to see what a $10 beer would taste like. The earth moved that day.

 

Lots of great suggestions, something else I would add is this:

Don't write off a style after just one beer. Each style has a lot to offer, and with that, there is of course going to be bad/okay/good/great.

Also, you know that time you grab a glass thinking it has say water in it, but it's really sprite, and when you take a drink, the first few seconds is absolute horror. Then you realize it's sprite and you think "Okay, cool. I can drink this."

A lot of craft beers are like that, because you are drinking something you can't identify at first. When you do try something new, take a few sips first, try to figure out what it tastes like, then look up reviews on here, and go to the brewery's site itself and see what they say. Once you realize that's "orange peel" you are far more accepting of it.

 

ya I tried everything too. I just hated IPAs and esp. coffee stouts so I guess I was trying to help the OP avoid wasting money, but maybe that doesn't make sense. I did like the occasional Pale ale and who knows what else at this point. Hard to tell how helpful styles are at this point or even then. Feels like it was so long ago.

Funny about the Delirium Tremens pushing you over the edge. Great beer. In a similar fashion, I decided to buy some Unibroue variety pack and was like, whoah. This is awesome. Unlike you I was in Iowa city and had the benefit of John's Grocery though, so lots of Belgians to dive into after that.

 

Study this page and start hunting them down like deer in a deciduous forest.
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style

 

I will echo some of the previous suggestions.
Grab a Reissdorf Kolsch and a Great Lakes Taster's Box.

Don't worry about reviewing the beers here and don't be intimidated by the very informed reviews you've found, but do keep a personal record of what you drink and whether or not you liked it. Use this site to investigate the styles and breweries you find yourself enjoying.

When you buy beer at the store, try to avoid beer that is past its best by date.

 

Just get out there and drink and youll figure everything out. I started out with Blue Moon and #9. That lead to this beer and that beer lead to another beer..and now some time later ive tried a few hundred and can tell differences between styles and am just starting to be able to identify tasting notes. i know what styles i like more than others and that was from getting out there and just drinking whatever seemed good at the time!

 

The journey you are starting is a fun one! I have nothing more to offer that has not been very clearly and well said as far as styles and beer choices. When I began exploring my tastes, I started a tradition for myself. "New Beer Thursday", became a fun way for me to stop in at a local bottle shop and try something I had never had before. It worked wonders! Not only did I discover new stores and great local beer experts, I have really expanded my tastes. Once you are comfortable, try stepping out of that comfort zone. The fun is in the exploring! You will have hits and misses, but as you become better aware of what you like and don't, you can start sharing your new knowledge with others.

Cheers!

 

After reviewing this thread, I had to look up Kolsch in the styles guide (sorry) and I have to ask - what's the appeal? sounds like a not-very-pale ale... Perfect for summer barbeques and those new to craft, so, what, bland in a good way and not gross? I don't want to criticize the style as I've never tried it but I'm wondering why I should WANT to try a kolsch.

 

Just try different beers until you find out what you like.

Be careful with ratings and reviews on this site; they're helpful sometimes but don't follow them too closely. I did in the beginning but found that I disagree with quite a few of them.

Beer is complex and there are so many beer flavors, that you will surely find several to call your favorites.

Have fun!!

 

I read this first as "Go to a bar and get in fights." That would've been a novel approach to learning about beer.

 

Some of the loud, overbearing, "look at me" beers could learn a thing or two from that subtle introspective kolsch sitting in the corner.

 

Start with a mild ipa. I would suggest Columus IPA. Commodore Perry from great lakes isnt bad either if you are a newbie. Over time your pallet will expand. BE WARNED, once you step into the world of craft beers, there is no coming back!

 

A Great Lake's Taster Pack is an excellent idea. I think you will like Dortmunder Gold and Elliot Ness. Columbus Brewing Company has some good offerings like their Bodhi and Fool's Gold. Weihenstephaner Hefe is fantastic as well. Try Victory Prima Pils and Scrimshaw Pilsner as well. Just don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. If you don't like them, oh well. Move on to the next beer!

Also, check out the Columbus Beerfest next month. A great way to try a ton of beers and have a blast!

 

A couple more suggestions.

First, find someone else to take the beer journey with you. Beer is a social beverage and it will be a lot more fun sampling and drinking beers with friends who are on the journey with you than it will be going it alone. Also when you share beers, you can taste a lot more beers for the same price when you split bottles with others.

Second, look up you local homebrewing club and meet some people there. You don't have to brew yourself but they will usually have lots of good beer on hand to sample, they can usually answer most questions on beer that you have, you can experience the ingredients in beer to really understand where all the flavors come from when you brew with someone, and you might find other people to go on the beer journey with you (see the first suggestion).

 

Well, there are certain lessens to be learned in that as well . . .

 

Canned beer isn't what it used to be.
Some of the best beers available are canned nowadays.

If I were you, I would start with...

Oskar Blues Mama's Little Yella Pils
Oskar Blues Dale's Pale Ale
Oskar Blues Old Chub

 

Try Kolsch stlyes (the Gaffel is one of them), wheat bears, witbiers, and maybe a hefeweizen or two. Stick more to lagers and German styles and maybe take a few ales in their as your pallet changes. Try things from Goose Island, they have some good styles that introduce people to different beer.

 

Remember to think globally, but drink locally. Find a local brewery and support it. I hope you live close to many, like I do.

 

As the risk of just saying "me too", pouring into a glass (whether it be from a can or bottle) has a *tremendous* effect on my enjoyment of a beer. I hardly ever drink directly from a bottle if it's a half-way decent beer.