New To Craft Beers

[Julie Wetherell]

Hi All,

I am interested in learning more about craft beers in general. Sam Adams is about as strong as I go right now, but am looking for something new. Any recommendations? As a previous Corona drinker (I know!), I would like some advice on what to try first.

Thanks!

Julie

[gisbrewmaster]

I swear I know that. I don't know why I wrote imperial. Maybe I'll re-read what I write before I post next time. I am going to play the new baby card. Lack of sleep can make you delirious. Sorry Julie for the misinformation. Another possible reason for temporary insanity is I just brewed an Imperial IPA which is a higher alcohol and flavorful version of an IPA and I may have been thinking of that when I wrote.

[olllllo]

I once made such a failed attempt at an IPA that I called it a CHPA - Cape Horn Pale Ale. It never had enough hops to make it to India.

[Julie Wetherell]

Hi Matt,

It sounds like I might like the English variety, is there a brand that you can recommend?

Thanks,

Julie


gisbrewmaster said:

IPA stands for Imperial Pale Ale. It is a rather hoppy beer and there are both English and American varieties. The english usually isn't as hoppy and is usually less bitter. This is my favorite style. I love the bitterness and the hops.


Julie Wetherell said:

Hi,

I've heard IPA mentioned a couple of times. I'm sorry to say that I'm clueless, what is IPA?

Thanks

Julie

Gentleman Villain said:

In addition to what everyone else said, remember that there are variations within style too. You may not like Red Hook's IPA, but find Meantime's to be quite a different story. Fortunately at most places you can get a sampler, or even ask the bartender if you can have a taste of a certain kind of beer. Lagers and pilsners can be really tasty, when made by someone who isn't trying to mass-produce them for everyone.

[Julie Wetherell]

Thanks. I know gisbrewmaster likes IPA in particular, would you say that you prefer them too? Can you recommend an English variety?


The Beer Philosopher said:

Actually, IPA stands for "India Pale Ale" ... I'm sure this is what gisbrewmaster meant.

Basically, a more heavily-hopped pale ale originating from the beer sent to British outposts in India. The beer was hopped more aggressively to help preserve the beer for the long sea journey. Generally a bit higher in alcohol for the same reason.

gisbrewmaster said:

IPA stands for Imperial Pale Ale. It is a rather hoppy beer and there are both English and American varieties. The english usually isn't as hoppy and is usually less bitter. This is my favorite style. I love the bitterness and the hops.


Julie Wetherell said:

Hi,

I've heard IPA mentioned a couple of times. I'm sorry to say that I'm clueless, what is IPA?

Thanks

Julie

Gentleman Villain said:

In addition to what everyone else said, remember that there are variations within style too. You may not like Red Hook's IPA, but find Meantime's to be quite a different story. Fortunately at most places you can get a sampler, or even ask the bartender if you can have a taste of a certain kind of beer. Lagers and pilsners can be really tasty, when made by someone who isn't trying to mass-produce them for everyone.

[Ray Grace]

Hi Julie, If you think you might like English IPA's, you might give Brooklyn East India Pale Ale a try, I can't get it out here but I here it's excellent.
Julie Wetherell said:

Thanks. I know gisbrewmaster likes IPA in particular, would you say that you prefer them too? Can you recommend an English variety?


The Beer Philosopher said:

Actually, IPA stands for "India Pale Ale" ... I'm sure this is what gisbrewmaster meant.

Basically, a more heavily-hopped pale ale originating from the beer sent to British outposts in India. The beer was hopped more aggressively to help preserve the beer for the long sea journey. Generally a bit higher in alcohol for the same reason.

gisbrewmaster said:

IPA stands for Imperial Pale Ale. It is a rather hoppy beer and there are both English and American varieties. The english usually isn't as hoppy and is usually less bitter. This is my favorite style. I love the bitterness and the hops.


Julie Wetherell said:

Hi,

I've heard IPA mentioned a couple of times. I'm sorry to say that I'm clueless, what is IPA?

Thanks

Julie

Gentleman Villain said:

In addition to what everyone else said, remember that there are variations within style too. You may not like Red Hook's IPA, but find Meantime's to be quite a different story. Fortunately at most places you can get a sampler, or even ask the bartender if you can have a taste of a certain kind of beer. Lagers and pilsners can be really tasty, when made by someone who isn't trying to mass-produce them for everyone.

[Julie Wetherell]

Thanks, I'll see if I can get it around here. Yesterday, I had Bershire Brewing Cos. Steel Rail Pale Ale and their Black & Tan. Both are very good. I haven't tried an IPA yet though...

[gisbrewmaster]

Hi Julie,

Here is a list from Beer Advocacte. http://beeradvocate.com/top_beers?style=150 I have had the Fullers and enjoyed it. Hope this helps!!

GISBREWMASTER

Julie Wetherell said:

Hi Matt,

It sounds like I might like the English variety, is there a brand that you can recommend?

Thanks,

Julie


gisbrewmaster said:

IPA stands for Imperial Pale Ale. It is a rather hoppy beer and there are both English and American varieties. The english usually isn't as hoppy and is usually less bitter. This is my favorite style. I love the bitterness and the hops.


Julie Wetherell said:

Hi,

I've heard IPA mentioned a couple of times. I'm sorry to say that I'm clueless, what is IPA?

Thanks

Julie

Gentleman Villain said:

In addition to what everyone else said, remember that there are variations within style too. You may not like Red Hook's IPA, but find Meantime's to be quite a different story. Fortunately at most places you can get a sampler, or even ask the bartender if you can have a taste of a certain kind of beer. Lagers and pilsners can be really tasty, when made by someone who isn't trying to mass-produce them for everyone.

[Julie Wetherell]

Thanks, Matt. Sorry, I've been MIA. School and work are kicking my butt. I'll check out the link. Thanks for the info.

[gisbrewmaster]

Hopefully its not kicking hard enough to keep you from having a good beer!!