Beer Styles

When someone says the word beer what do you think of?  Do you think of some of the mass produce American lagers, like Bud, Miller or Coors?  Do you think of a pale ale or a stout?  Or perhaps a Hefeweizen or a Barleywine?  Perhaps some other type of a beer trips your trigger.  Didn't realize that there are that many styles of beer, well that's just scratching the surface of beer styles.  As recognized by BJCP the are 23 categories with nearly 80 styles within those categories.  This is not an all encompassing list there are other beer styles that for one reason or another are not recognized by the BJCP.  Ever here of a German Gose or perhaps a Keller bier?  Probably not since they are produced in very limited areas in Germany thus not allowing for a large amount to be imported into the US.  Also there are many historical beers that are no longer produced any other way than by homebrewers or as one off beers at a brewpub.  Also there are "new" styles of beers being developed every day as in the Black IPA or otherwise know as a Cascadian Dark Ale.  There is bitter debate, no pun intended, over whether or not  this is actually a stand alone beer style.  Also there are beer styles that are so well known only as a beer that one brewer makes that it is synonymous with that brewer, such as Anchor's California Common beer, better know as Anchor Steam.  The beer styles are ever evolving, the BJCP guidelines are usually reviewed around every 4 years or so.  Also the GABF (Great American Beer Fest) is usually more creative in their categories for their yearly event in Denver.  They have recognized the Cascadian Black Ale as a stand alone beer style.   Do not fret what your favorite beer is called just drink it and enjoy.

Beer styles have evolved over time and many beers are attributed to a certain geographic area.  Koln beer was traditionally made in Cologne.  The Dry Stout was made famous by Arthur Guinness brewing or Ireland.  Also I have read that one beer style was attributed to a possible ancestor of mine.  The bock beer made originally in Einbeck in Germany was in some sources attributed to a brewer with the last name of Pilcher, my mother's maiden name.  So I could have brewer's blood running in my veins.  Who knows.

Beers styles are varied and ever changing.  So don't tie yourself down to one beer style.  Get out there and try those different beers.  Run to your local brewpub, microbrewery,  or good beer bar.  Or if you are at home and have some, Relax and have a Homebrew!