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Steven Coulson
Steven has been drinking beers, wines and spirits for decades and has a propensity to go about them at length after a few drinks.
Latest Posts
- 57/m: Love beer, but it doesn’t love me as much anymore
- No Stupid Questions Wednesday – ask anything about beer
- Does anyone else get treated like a beer snob for ordering literally anything that isn’t a macro lager?
- Is there a polite way to refuse a beer that’s being served in the wrong glassware without making everyone at the table uncomfortable?
- # What’s the most pretentious thing you’ve ever said about beer that you secretly didn’t understand yourself?
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Discovering Beer: A Beginner’s Guide for Those Who Prefer Less Bitterness
As a newcomer to the world of beer, finding the right brew can feel overwhelming, especially if you tend to shy away from bitter flavors. If you’re looking to expand your palate and enjoy social gatherings without enduring drinks that are unpalatably hoppy, you’re not alone. Many potential beer enthusiasts grapple with the same issue, particularly if they haven’t developed a taste for certain styles.
Reflecting on my own journey, I remember the first time I tried beer. At 19, I attended a lakeside gathering where I opted for a Coors Light. To be honest, it did not impress me much. Fast forward to now, as I approach my 27th birthday, I find myself eager to explore the beer landscape once more. I’m hopeful that with a little more life experience under my belt, my taste buds have matured enough to handle the different flavors that beer has to offer.
For anyone who shares my hesitation regarding bitterness, here’s a list of beer styles you might want to consider. These options are generally more approachable for beginners and tend to have smoother profiles:
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Wheat Beers: Styles like Hefeweizen or Witbier are often favored by those new to beer, featuring fruity and spicy notes that provide a refreshing taste without overwhelming bitterness.
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Lagers: Light lagers, such as Pilsners or American Light Lagers, are crisp and clean with a mild flavor. They are easy to drink and widely available, making them a great choice for social settings.
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Cream Ales: This style combines the refreshing aspects of a lager with the smoothness of an ale, resulting in a richer mouthfeel without harsh bitterness.
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Fruit Beers: These brews often contain added fruit flavors, making them fun and easy to drink. They can range from lightly sweet to tangy, providing a unique experience that may win over even the most reluctant of beer drinkers.
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Session IPAs: While IPAs are famous for their hoppy bitterness, session IPAs maintain the hoppy character while being lower in alcohol content and often possess a greater balance, making them suitable for those who are still acclimating to this style.
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Stouts and Porters: While these dark beers may seem intimidating, many have a rich, roasted flavor that can balance out any bitterness. If you enjoy chocolate or coffee flavors, you might