Exploring the Versatility of Craft Beer Styles: From IPAs to Malty Delights

Hi there! Thanks for asking about my favorite styles of craft beer. While many beer enthusiasts are currently enamored with the latest variations of India Pale Ales (e.g., New England IPA, West Coast IPA, Milkshake IPA, even the silly Glitter IPA), I find myself drawn to a different avenue: malty beers. Overly hopped IPAs can cover up various brewing flaws, but a well-made malty beer is an art to achieve.

One of the styles I often return to is Oktoberfest. Slightly darker than your average pale lager, these malt-forward beers have a nice toasty malt flavor, a manageable sweetness, and a refreshing hop backbone that prevents them from becoming too syrupy. They are typically brewed in the spring and lagered (kept in cold storage) for a longer period, making them suitable to enjoy in the fall.

Ironically, as Oktoberfest has gained popularity in the U.S., German brewers have started producing lighter versions of their Oktoberfest beers, which now resemble the same old Heineken. Despite this, I have compiled a list of my favorite Oktoberfest beers, noting that some may only be available in the Chicago market and others might no longer be produced due to the constant innovation in the craft beer scene.

Here is a selection of my top picks:

Lazydays Tuberfest Solemn Oath Oktoberface Two Brothers Oktoberfest Buckle Down Oktoberfest Sprecher Oktoberfest Three Floyds Munsterfest Pollyanna Fruhauf Surly SurlyFest Hofstettner Original Hochzeitsbier von 1810 BBK Mrzen Capital Oktoberfest Staten Oktoberfest Ur-Mrzen

For those who enjoy big, high-alcohol barley wines or imperial stouts, these undoubtedly make for excellent special occasion beers, but they are not my go-to choices for everyday drinking.

I Can Appreciate Any Style

Contrary to what you might think, I enjoy craft beer in any style. Stouts and porters are among my favorites, provided they are crafted well. My preference leans towards well-balanced beers, such as:

Anchor Steam Sierra Nevada Pale Ale New Belgium Dayblazer

Belgian tripels and Golden String Ales are also among my favorites, as are barley wines, though they can be scarce. Saison and Hefeweizen are my least favorite due to the excessive experimentation and complexity many home brewers apply to these styles, often leading to an overwhelming and inconsistent drinking experience.

I do appreciate extreme beers, and I hold a deep respect for the technical skills required to produce well-balanced ones. As a homebrewer myself, I understand the intricacies involved in making these beers.

Cheers!