A Beginner’s Guide to Craft Beer: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started

Craft beer has exploded in popularity over the last decade, offering drinkers an incredible range of flavors and styles to explore. But with so many options on the shelf, it can feel overwhelming if you're just getting started. This guide breaks down the basics so you can discover new beers with confidence.

If you’re new to craft beer, the biggest thing to know is this: there’s truly something for everyone. Craft brewers focus on creativity, quality ingredients, and unique flavor combinations that go far beyond traditional mass-produced beers.

The key difference between craft beer and large commercial beer is scale and experimentation. Craft breweries typically produce smaller batches and emphasize distinctive recipes. That means you’ll find beers with citrus notes, chocolate flavors, roasted coffee aromas, and everything in between.

Start with Familiar Flavor Profiles

A great way to begin exploring craft beer is to start with styles that match flavors you already enjoy.

If you like light and refreshing drinks, try:

• Blonde ales

• Wheat beers

• Pilsners

If you enjoy bold flavors, explore:

• India Pale Ales (IPAs)

• Amber ales

• Stouts or porters

If you like tart, fruity, and refreshing drinks, try:

• Sour ales

• Smoothie style sours

• Gose

• Berliner Weisse

If you prefer something crisp, slightly sweet, and easy to drink, try:

• Dry ciders

• Semi-sweet ciders

• Fruit ciders

Sampling a few different styles will quickly help you learn what appeals to your palate.

Pay Attention to Key Beer Terms

You’ll often see a few technical terms on beer labels. Understanding them can help you make better choices.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume):
This tells you how strong the beer is. Lighter beers might sit around 4–5%, while stronger craft styles can reach 8% or more.

IBU (International Bitterness Units):
This measures how bitter a beer is, which is especially relevant for hop-forward styles like IPAs.

Malty vs. Hoppy:
Malty beers often taste sweeter or bread-like, while hoppy beers deliver citrus, pine, or bitterness.

Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

Part of the fun of craft beer is trying something new. Many breweries produce seasonal or limited-release beers, meaning there’s always something different to discover.

A good strategy is to pick up a few different styles at once and compare them. Over time, you’ll start identifying the flavors you enjoy most. At Family Beer & Liquor, this is easy to do - you can create your own “Mix 6”, choosing any beers from our wide selection to create your own custom 6-pack!

Get Expert Help When You Need It

One of the best ways to start your craft beer journey is by asking for recommendations. A knowledgeable staff member can help guide you toward beers that match your preferences.

At Family Beer & Liquor, we pride ourselves on carrying the best selection of craft beer in the area—from local brewery favorites to nationally recognized brands. Whether you’re trying craft beer for the first time or looking to expand your collection, our team is always happy to help you discover something new.

Stop by Family Beer & Liquor and explore our craft beer—you might just find your new favorite brew.

The Most Popular Craft Beer Styles Explained

From crisp lagers to bold IPAs and smooth stouts, craft beer comes in many different styles—each with its own flavor profile and brewing tradition. Understanding the differences can help you find new favorites and expand your beer horizons. Here’s a simple guide to some of the most popular craft beer styles you’ll see in stores and on tap.

One of the best things about craft beer is the variety. Brewers around the world have developed dozens of styles, each with its own ingredients, brewing techniques, and flavor profiles.

Here are a few of the most popular styles you’re likely to encounter.

Lagers

Lagers are known for their clean, crisp taste. They’re typically lighter in flavor and very refreshing.

Common lager styles include:

• Pilsners

• Helles lagers

• Amber lagers

Because of their smooth and approachable flavor, lagers are a great starting point for new craft beer drinkers.

India Pale Ales (IPAs)

IPAs are one of the most recognizable craft beer styles. They’re known for strong hop character, which can bring flavors like citrus, pine, tropical fruit, or floral notes.

Popular IPA variations include:

• West Coast IPA (crisp and bitter)

• Hazy IPA (juicy and softer bitterness)

• Double IPA (higher alcohol and intense hop flavor)

If you enjoy bold, aromatic beers, IPAs are worth exploring.

Wheat Beers

Wheat beers are brewed with a higher percentage of wheat grain, which gives them a smooth, slightly cloudy appearance and refreshing taste.

Examples include:

• Hefeweizen

• Witbier

• American wheat ales

These beers often feature notes of citrus, banana, or clove and are very easy to drink.

Stouts and Porters

If you prefer darker beers, stouts and porters deliver rich, roasted flavors.

These beers often have tasting notes like:

• Coffee

• Chocolate

• Caramel

• Toasted malt

Some variations can even include flavors like vanilla or bourbon barrel aging.

Sours and Ciders

If traditional beers aren’t your thing, sours and ciders offer a refreshing, flavorful alternative that’s often more approachable and just as enjoyable.

Sour beers are known for their bright, tangy flavors that range from gently tart to intensely puckering. 

• Many feature fruity notes like cherry, raspberry, or citrus, making them especially appealing to those who enjoy a crisp, refreshing twist. 

• Styles like gose often include a hint of salt and coriander, while Berliner Weisse is light, effervescent, and perfect for warm-weather sipping.

Ciders are made from fermented apple juice and offer a clean, refreshing alternative to traditional beers. 

• Dry ciders tend to be more crisp and less sweet, while semi-sweet options balance tart apple flavors with a touch of sweetness. 

• Fruit ciders incorporate flavors like pear, berry, or peach, adding a flavorful twist that’s approachable for both new and seasoned drinkers.

Finding Your Favorite Style

The best way to learn which styles you enjoy most is simple: try a few. Pick up a couple different styles and compare them side by side.

At Family Beer & Liquor, we stock a wide range of craft beer styles so you can explore everything from crisp lagers to bold IPAs and rich stouts—all in one place.

If you’re not sure where to start, our team is happy to recommend a few standout options based on what you typically enjoy. Stop by Family Beer & Liquor and discover a new favorite craft beer today.

IPA vs Pale Ale: What’s the Real Difference?

IPA and Pale Ale are two of the most popular styles in craft beer—but many people wonder what actually sets them apart. While they share similar ingredients, the flavor, bitterness, and brewing styles can be quite different. Let’s break down what makes each style unique and how to choose the one that fits your taste.

At first glance, IPA and Pale Ale might seem almost identical. Both styles use similar ingredients—malted barley, hops, yeast, and water—and both highlight hop flavor. However, the balance between malt and hops is what separates them.

What Is a Pale Ale?

Pale ale is one of the original craft beer styles. It’s known for its balanced flavor, where malt sweetness and hop bitterness complement each other.

Typical pale ale characteristics include:

• Moderate hop flavor

• Slightly fruity or floral aroma

• Smooth, balanced finish

• Medium body

Because pale ales aren’t overly bitter, they’re often a great entry point into hop-forward beers.

What Is an IPA?

India Pale Ale (IPA) takes hop flavor to another level. These beers feature stronger hop aromas, higher bitterness, and often higher alcohol content.

Common IPA flavor notes include:

• Citrus

• Pine

• Tropical fruit

• Resinous bitterness

IPAs tend to be more intense than pale ales, which is why they’ve become favorites among craft beer enthusiasts.

Key Differences

While both styles share similar ingredients, here are the main distinctions:

Hop Intensity:
IPAs typically have a stronger hop flavor and bitterness.

Alcohol Content:
Many IPAs have higher ABV than pale ales.

Flavor Balance:
Pale ales emphasize balance, while IPAs highlight bold hop character.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a smooth, balanced beer that isn’t too bitter, a pale ale might be the better choice. If you love bright citrus aromas and bold flavors, an IPA may be exactly what you’re looking for.

The good news is you don’t have to pick just one. Exploring both styles is a great way to expand your craft beer experience.

At Family Beer & Liquor, you’ll find a wide selection of both pale ales and IPAs from local breweries and national favorites. Whether you’re just getting into craft beer or searching for your next go-to brew, our shelves are stocked with options worth trying.

Stop by Family Beer & Liquor today and let our team help you find the perfect IPA or pale ale for your taste.