Walking into a craft beer bar for the first time can feel a little overwhelming.
IPAs, pale ales, sours, stouts, saisons, lagers… there’s a lot going on.
But the good news is you don’t need to know everything to enjoy craft beer. In fact, discovering different styles is half the fun.
At Brass Monkey Beers, we’re passionate about helping people explore new beers without the jargon or snobbery. So here’s a simple guide to some of the most popular craft beer styles you’ll find in bottle shops and tap rooms.
IPA (India Pale Ale)
Probably the most famous modern craft beer style.
IPAs are known for bold hop flavours and aromas. Depending on the brewery, you might taste:
- Citrus
- Pine
- Tropical fruit
- Grapefruit
- Stone fruit
- Resinous bitterness
Some IPAs are intensely hoppy and bitter, while modern “New England” or hazy IPAs tend to be softer, juicier, and fruit-forward.
Perfect for: Hop lovers and adventurous drinkers.
Pale Ale
Think of pale ale as the approachable cousin of the IPA.
Still flavourful and hoppy, but usually lighter, smoother, and easier drinking. Pale ales are a great starting point if you’re new to craft beer because they balance malt sweetness with refreshing hop character.
Perfect for: Easy-going drinking sessions.
Lager
Craft lager has had a huge revival in recent years.
Forget bland mass-produced lagers — modern independent breweries are producing crisp, clean, flavourful lagers inspired by German, Czech, and European brewing traditions.
They’re refreshing, subtle, and incredibly drinkable.
Perfect for: Anyone who enjoys a clean, crisp pint.
Stout & Porter
Dark beers often scare people unnecessarily.
Yes, stouts and porters look heavy, but many are surprisingly smooth and balanced. You’ll often find flavours like:
- Coffee
- Chocolate
- Caramel
- Roasted malt
- Vanilla
Some are rich and decadent, while others are light enough to enjoy year-round.
Perfect for: Fans of bold, roasted flavours.
Sour Beer
One of the fastest-growing styles in craft beer.
Sour beers are intentionally tart, sharp, and refreshing. Many feature fruit additions like raspberry, mango, cherry, or passionfruit.
They can range from lightly tangy to intensely sour depending on the brewing method.
Perfect for: People who enjoy fruity, refreshing drinks.
Belgian Beer
Belgian brewing traditions have influenced craft beer around the world.
Belgian beers often feature spicy yeast character, fruity esters, and complex flavours. From strong golden ales to rich dubbels and tripels, Belgian beer offers incredible variety.
Perfect for: Drinkers who enjoy depth and complexity.
Low & No Alcohol Craft Beer
Low-and-no alcohol beer has improved massively in recent years.
Independent breweries are now producing alcohol-free beers with genuine flavour and character — from hazy IPAs to crisp lagers and dark stouts.
You no longer have to sacrifice taste if you’re cutting back on alcohol.
Perfect for: Enjoying craft beer without the next-day regret.
The Best Way to Discover New Beer Styles
The easiest way to learn about craft beer is simply to try different styles.
That’s why tap rooms and bottle shops are great places to explore. You can sample beers, ask questions, and discover what you genuinely enjoy.
There’s no “correct” beer style — only personal taste.
Whether you love a juicy IPA, a crisp lager, or a rich stout, the craft beer world has something for everyone.
And if you’re ever unsure what to try next, just ask behind the bar — we’re always happy to help.