Almost forgot to send a newsletter! I’ll make it short.
The gauntlet schedule for 2025 is out! Take a look BOTY Scedule, we have some interesting competitions lined up.
The October general meeting is the deadline for nominations for the Board of Directors. Have a friend (you must both be members) send an email to whiskeyrowbrewclub@gmail.com to nominate you for the position of your choice if you wish to run. Elections will be at the November meeting and you must have already been nominated in order to run.
Welcome to the fall, the night is coming sooner and the beers are getting darker. We said goodbye to summer in grand fashion at Labor Daze in Williams. Three brewers had 7 beers on tap at the WRBC tent, they were all delicious and well received by the crowd. We weren’t able to win the crowd favorite, but we were very competitive in the voting. We did a fair amount of merch sales and made great connections for future club and brewery collabs.
Join us at Wren House Prairie Patio in Prescott to learn about homebrewing and meet the club. We’ll have a few people brewing and there will be many members available to answer any questions about homebrewing or the club.
RSVP - https://forms.gle/85BPZwRbfnyN55TJ7
As part of our Lazy G Competition, the winner gets to help brew their recipe at Lazy G, for sale in the taproom and for entry into the GABF Pro-Am competition!
So, this Friday, let’s help Wes celebrate the tapping of his Wes-side Pale Ale!
Another Horseshoes & Homebrews is in the books. We didn’t have any horseshoes, but we made up for it in homebrews, with 9 entries in the gauntlet and 5 others on tap. Take a look at this post for more details and pictures: 2024 Horseshoes and Homebrews
John had a water report done for downtown Prescott, so if you live near there, you might find it useful for dialing in your water profile for brewing.
General Meeting
August 15 6pm
Cocky’s Chicken+Brew
Gauntlet: Farmhouse Ales
Ed Topic: Diacetyl Tasting and Prevention
Notes:
prospective members welcome
Another awesome Horseshoes & Homebrews weekend in the books! 8 taps of delicious homebrew flowing throughout, 4 taps of Brown Bag beer, and some very cinnamony apple pie distilled “water”.
We had 9 entries from 7 brewers in the Session (under 5%) gauntlet:
First place went to Susan and her Cherry Limeade Session Mead (yes only 4% ABV), which was promptly emptied by all in attendance. Second went to Wes with his spot-on and highly-crushable, traditional Gose.
WRBC Monthly July 2024 Club Website Club Calendar Board Calendar Competition Schedule News This summer is flying by. Whiskey Row Brew Fest was great fun, our biggest turnout for the competition in a long time. The breweries were excited to get their awards, even if they didn't hear it announced. We definitely know some improvements to make for next year, but I think we accomplished all we set out to do.
WRBC Monthly June 2024 Club Website Club Calendar Board Calendar Competition Schedule News The weather is heating up, and so are the beery events! I believe we had our first club sporting event. Sloshball was a blast and we had less than 5 injuries! We broke in the new Jockeybox with icy cold lager and seltzer, while The Flatearthers were obliterated by The Sloshballerz. Whiskey Row Brew Fest is tomorrow and it looks to be much bigger than last year.
In a heated 5-entry competition, the judges selected our brewer of the year, Wes as the winner. His American Pale Ale will be brewed and served at Lazy G this summer and compete in the GABF Pro-Am competition in October. Watch for a tapping party in July or August!
Second place - Tuk Third place - Seth
Congratulations all!
WRBC Monthly May 2024 Club Website Club Calendar Board Calendar Competition Schedule News The Lazy G competition judging is complete, we will share the results at the next meeting! The Wren House brew day was a howl, literally! We brewed about 20 gallons of beer and 10 gallons of mead! We had some interest from the public, but the wind was really too much for most of them. We had awesome tacos, salsa, guac, etc.
Whiskey Row Brew Club
General Meeting
April 18 6pm
Cocky’s Chicken+Brew
Gauntlet: Amer. Pale Ale
Ed Topic: Advancements in\nHomebrew Equipment
Notes:
prospective members welcome
WRBC Monthly April 2024 Club Website Club Calendar Board Calendar Competition Schedule News The Lazy G competition is closing in, get your Pale Ale brewed! The entry deadline has been extended to 5/2, you will need to make arrangements with John A or bring it to the May board meeting. if you are unable to turn yours in at the April General Meeting. The gauntlet is the same style, so there's a good chance we'll all get to sample the winning brews this year!
You asked and we’ve answered!
Here’s the currently available merch. Email Jodi to check on inventory and arrange purchase.
note: the cowgirl image is a sticker and there are some pilsner glasses with the hop skull logo and deer logo
Whiskey Row Brew Club
General Meeting
March 21 6pm
Cocky’s Chicken+Brew
Gauntlet: California Common
Ed Topic: Monster Mash
Notes:
prospective members welcome
We’re having a brew out at Wren House Prairie Patio to celebrate National Homebrew Day!
Sunday, May 5 Wren House Prairie Patio 6396 Lear Ln Prescott, AZ 86301
Brewing starts at 10am (will continue well into the afternoon) Patio starts selling beer at 1pm Patio closes at 6:30 There will be power and water available for brewers. At least three brewers will be brewing that day. If you want to learn how to brew, or are just curious, stop by and check it out.
In what can only be described as the homebrewing battle of the century, club Vice President Wes Mueller walked away with the coveted Homebrewer of the Year award for 2023, taking the prize from long-time champion John Allen. Wes medaled in 10 out of 12 club gauntlets including a dramatic win to seal the title at the holiday party, besting 10 rival smoked beers! Congratulations Wes!
We're having a brew out at Wren House Prairie Patio to celebrate Learn to Homebrew Day!
Sunday, November 5
Wren House Prairie Patio
6396 Lear Ln
Prescott, AZ 86301
Brewing starts at 10am (will continue well into the afternoon)Patio starts selling beer at 1pmPatio closes at 6:30
There will be power and water available for brewers. At least three brewers will be brewing that day. If you want to learn how to brew, or are just curious, stop by and check it out.
Horseshoes and Homebrews is our big summer event and it didn't disappoint!
Through the weekend we had 17 homebrews on tap from 7 brewers, 9 gauntlet entries, 6 salsas in the salsa competition and countless bottles passed of rare and homemade beer and other concoctions! We had a private tour of Grand Canyon Brewing and Distilling, with samples. Nearly 30 people and 4 dogs joined in the fun!
Whiskey Row Brew Fest is back this Saturday, the club will be hosting the best of show contest for the breweries in attendance and we'll have an information booth and our amazing merch for sale!
In a tight competition, Mudshark brewing took first place with their delicious Vanilla Caramel Porter
Second place went to Revision Brewing for their awesome Disco Ninja Hazy IPA
Third went to local favorite, Lazy G for their highly crushable Leroux Lager
Party in the Pines is back this Saturday in Prescott! The club will be holding a best of show competition for the breweries in attendance, along with an informational booth and our amazing merchandise. See you there!
We're having a brew out at Wren House Prairie Patio to celebrate National Homebrew Day!
Sunday, May 7
Wren House Prairie Patio
6396 Lear Ln
Prescott, AZ 86301
Brewing starts at 10am (will continue well into the afternoon)Patio starts selling beer at 1pmPatio closes at 6:30
There will be power and water available for brewers. At least three brewers will be brewing that day. If you want to learn how to brew, or are just curious, stop by and check it out.
We're on again for the Lazy G competition! Entries due 5/6, members of AHA and WRBC only, winner will have their beer brewed and served at Lazy G, and it will be entered in the Great American Beer Festival in the Pro-Am competition! Follow the link for full details
Lazy G Pro-Am Competition
We're going to HomebrewCon this summer! Join us, it should be a blast! You have to be an American Homebrewers Association member to go, be sure to use our discount code at checkout "WRBC".
Thursday 1-19-23 6:00 at Park Plaza Liquor and Deli
We’ll be meeting at 6:00 in the Glass Room, their private dining room. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. We’re hoping to make Park Plaza our permanent meeting home, so let’s show them that we’ll make it worth their while! We’re re-introducing the Homebrew Happy Hour from 4:00-6:00 in the bar area, beers will be half off. Come hang out before the meeting.
In a hot competition for this year’s Brewer of the Year, with 6 different brewers winning in our 13 competitions, long-time member and head of club education, John Allen claimed victory for the second year in a row at the annual holiday party. John demonstrated his prowess winning gauntlets in the styles of ordinary bitter, Irish red, Saison, and festbier, as well as strong entries in most of the other contests.
Event Details
It's a brew day at John's house, come brew, eat, and drink. If you are thinking of brewing your first batch, reach out in the comments on the FB event and we'll hook you up. If you are thinking about joining the club or learning to brew, this is a great time to do it.
Beer Fest in Cottonwood Nov 5! Some club members will be there, and I think some of them will have their beer on tap (pro-brew, not home-brew)https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-nacho-beer-festival-but-it-can-be-tickets-440019178207
the text of the event still has last year’s dates, but it is on Saturday, Nov 5
Last year Greg G. got a 50 gallon whiskey barrel for his birthday and decided to use it for making something special with the club. We settled on an imperial stout. 5 club members volunteered to brew for it. We got together last month and settled on a recipe. With an OG of 1.104, many of us were pushing our systems to the limit, some of us had to double our boil times to get close to the target.
As mentioned in the last meeting, we’ll be launching a study group aimed at getting some folks into the BJCP. I created a survey to hopefully get some of the logistics figured out without too much discussion. If you are interested in becoming a judge, please fill out this survey, it’s way shorter than the exam.Study Group Survey
Support your fellow members!
Greg & Keira Gannon - Right Move Group - eXp Realty
Also offering free advice to clients and friends for short/long term property management goals
http://rightmoveprescott.com/
928-273-2285
Sarah's Pipe Dream - Soap Art
https://sarahspipedream.com/
sarah@sarahspipedream.com
928-515-9212
The brew club and Lazy G are joining forces for a brew competition. The competition winner will have an opportunity to brew their beer at Lazy G and your beer will be submitted to the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) under the Pro-am category. Details are as follows: submit two 12 oz bottles with BJCP labels attached and recipe at the May club meeting. Bottles will be collected in the alley before the meeting.
ASH Spring ClassicRegister by 3/20/2022, $10 per entry, 2 bottles, club members will likely organize a group drop off
National Homebrew CompetitionCompetition Registration & Beer Payment March 22 – March 29, 2022
When/Where: Thursday Feb 17, 2022 6:00pm
Prescott Brewing Company
upstairs, come a little early to socialize
Gauntlet:style - ESB
beers collected 5:45-6 in back lot (2-3 bottles)
don't bring any beer through the front entrance
no growlers, unless empty for filling up with PBC beer
Education:Barleywine
Club dues are $35 for an individual, $50 for a couple per calendar year. You do not have to buy before you try, come to a meeting or event and check it out!
Benefits include DISCOUNTS! $5 off American Homebrewer's Association Membership (enter WRBC at checkout)
Vern Lewis Welding Supply (CO2)
Vendor Giveaways (e.g. yeast from Imperial Yeast)
bulk purchase opportunities
Discounted or free admission to area festivals
Merch! Member-only merch offers
ABV: 4.3-5.6%
OG/FG: 1.044-1.053/1.008-1.014
SRM: 2-6
IBU: 8-15
Overall Impression A pale, refreshing, lightly-hopped German wheat beer with high carbonation, dry finish, fluffy mouthfeel, and a distinctive banana-and-clove weizen yeast fermentation profile.
Appearance Pale straw to gold in color. Very thick, moussy, long-lasting white head. Can be hazy and have a shine from wheat and yeast, although this can settle out in bottles.
Aroma Moderate to strong esters and phenols, typically banana and clove, often well balanced and typically stronger than the malt.
ABV: 4.3-5.6%
OG/FG: 1.044-1.057/1.008-1.014
SRM: 14-23
IBU: 10-18
Overall Impression A moderatelydark German wheat beer with a distinctive banana-and-clove weizen yeast fermentation profile, supported by a toasted bread or caramel malt flavor. Highly carbonated and refreshing, with a creamy, fluffy texture and light finish.
Appearance Light copper to dark, mahogany brown in color. Very thick, moussy, long-lasting off-white head. Can be hazy and have a shine from wheat and yeast, although this can settle out in bottled versions.
ABV: 6.5-9%
OG/FG: 1.064-1.09/1.015-1.022
SRM: 6-25
IBU: 15-30
Overall Impression A strong and malty Germanwheat beer combining the best wheat and yeast flavors of a Weissbier with the rich maltiness, strength, and body of a Bock. The style range includes Bock and Doppelbock strength, with variations for pale and dark color.
Appearance Very thick, moussy, long-lasting head.Can be hazy and have a shine from wheat and yeast, although this can settle out with age.
ABV: 3.2-3.8%
OG/FG: 1.03-1.039/1.007-1.011
SRM: 8-14
IBU: 25-35
Overall Impression Low gravity, alcohol, and carbonation make this an easy-drinking session beer. The malt profile can vary in flavor and intensity, but should never override the overall bitter impression. Drinkability is a critical component of the style.
Appearance Pale amber to light copper color. Good to brilliant clarity. Low to moderate white to off-white head. May have very little head due to low carbonation.
ABV: 3.8-4.6%
OG/FG: 1.04-1.048/1.008-1.012
SRM: 8-16
IBU: 25-40
Overall Impression A flavorful, yet refreshing, session beer. Some examples can be more malt balanced, but this should not override the overall bitter impression. Drinkability is a critical component of the style.
Appearance Pale amber to medium copper color. Good to brilliant clarity. Low to moderate white to off-white head. May have very little head due to low carbonation.
Aroma Low to moderate malt aroma, often (but not always) with a low to medium-low caramel quality.
ABV: 4.6-6.2%
OG/FG: 1.048-1.06/1.01-1.016
SRM: 8-18
IBU: 30-50
Overall Impression An average-strength to moderately-strong British bitter ale. The balance may vary between fairly even between malt and hops to somewhat bitter. Drinkability is a critical component of the style. A rather broad style that allows for considerable interpretation by the brewer.
Appearance Light amber to deep copper color. Good to brilliant clarity. Low to moderate white to off-white head. A low head is acceptable when carbonation is also low.
ABV: 3.8-5%
OG/FG: 1.038-1.053/1.006-1.012
SRM: 2-5
IBU: 20-45
Overall Impression A hop-forward, average-strength to moderately-strong pale bitter. Drinkability and a refreshing quality are critical components of the style, as it was initially a summer seasonal beer.
Appearance Straw to golden in color. Good to brilliant clarity. Low to moderate white head. A low head is acceptable when carbonation is also low.
Aroma Hop aroma is moderately low to moderately high, and can use any variety of hops – floral, herbal, or earthy English hops and citrusy American hops are most common.
ABV: 4.5-6%
OG/FG: 1.038-1.05/1.004-1.006
SRM: 4-7
IBU: 20-35
Overall Impression A well-balanced, pale, highly-carbonated, and refreshing ale suitable for drinking in a hot climate. Fairly bitter, with a moderate herbal-spicy hop and pome fruit ester profile. Smooth, neutral malt flavors with a fuller body but a crisp, highly-attenuated finish.
Appearance Deep yellow to light amber in color, often medium gold. Tall, frothy, persistent white head with tiny bubbles. Noticeable effervescence due to high carbonation.
ABV: 5-7.5%
OG/FG: 1.05-1.07/1.01-1.015
SRM: 6-14
IBU: 40-60
Overall Impression A bitter, moderately-strong, very well-attenuated pale British ale with a dry finish and a hoppy aroma and flavor. Classic British ingredients provide the most authentic flavor profile.
Appearance Color ranges from golden to deep amber, but most are fairly pale. Should be clear, although unfiltered dry-hopped versions may be a bit hazy. Moderate-sized, persistent head stand with off-white color.
Aroma A moderate to moderately-high hop aroma, typically floral, spicy-peppery, or citrus-orange in nature.
ABV: 3-3.8%
OG/FG: 1.03-1.038/1.008-1.013
SRM: 14-25
IBU: 10-25
Overall Impression A dark, low-gravity, malt-focused British session ale readily suited to drinking in quantity. Refreshing, yet flavorful for its strength, with a wide range of dark malt or dark sugar expression.
Appearance Copper to dark brown or mahogany color. Generally clear, although is traditionally unfiltered. Low to moderate off-white to tan head; retention may be poor.
Aroma Low to moderate malt aroma, and may have some fruitiness.
ABV: 4.2-5.9%
OG/FG: 1.04-1.052/1.008-1.013
SRM: 12-22
IBU: 20-30
Overall Impression A malty, caramelly,brown British ale without the roasted flavors of a Porter. Balanced and flavorful, but usually a little stronger than most average UK beers.
Appearance Dark amber to dark reddish-brown color. Clear. Low to moderate off-white to light tan head.
Aroma Light, sweet malt aroma with toffee, nutty, or light chocolate notes, and a light to heavy caramel quality. A light but appealing floral or earthy hop aroma may also be noticed.
ABV: 4-5.4%
OG/FG: 1.04-1.052/1.008-1.014
SRM: 20-30
IBU: 18-35
Overall Impression A moderate-strength dark brown English ale with a restrained roasty, bitter character. May have a range of roasted flavors, generally without burnt qualities, and often has a malty chocolate and caramelprofile.
Appearance Brown to dark brown in color, often with ruby highlights. Good clarity, although may be opaque. Moderate off-white to light tan head with good to fair retention.
Aroma Moderate to moderately low bready, biscuity, and toasty malt aroma with mild roastiness, often like chocolate.
ABV: 2.5-3.3%
OG/FG: 1.03-1.035/1.01-1.013
SRM: 17-25
IBU: 10-20
Overall Impression A low-alcohol, maltybeer with lightcaramel, toast, toffee, and fruit flavors. A slight roast dryness offsets the residual sweetness in the finish, with the bitterness perceived only to keep the beer from being cloying.
Appearance Deep copper to dark brown. Clear. Low to moderate, creamy off-white.
Aroma Low to medium maltiness with caramel and toffee notes, and light toasty and sugary qualities that might be reminiscent of toasted breadcrumbs, ladyfingers, English biscuits, graham crackers, or butterscotch.
ABV: 3.3-3.9%
OG/FG: 1.035-1.04/1.01-1.015
SRM: 12-20
IBU: 10-20
Overall Impression A lower-alcohol, maltybeer with lightcaramel, toast, toffee, and fruity flavors. A slight roast dryness offsets the residual sweetness in the finish, with the bitterness perceived only to keep the beer from being cloying.
Appearance Pale copper to brown. Clear. Low to moderate, creamy off-white.
Aroma Medium-low to medium maltiness with caramel and toffee notes, and light toasty and sugary qualities that might be reminiscent of toasted breadcrumbs, ladyfingers, English biscuits, graham crackers, or butterscotch.
ABV: 3.9-6%
OG/FG: 1.04-1.06/1.01-1.016
SRM: 12-20
IBU: 15-30
Overall Impression A moderate-strength, maltybeer with light caramel, toast, toffee, and fruit flavors. A slight roast dryness offsets the residual sweetness in the finish, with the bitterness perceived only to keep the beer from being cloying.
Appearance Pale copper to brown. Clear. Low to moderate, creamy off-white.
Aroma Medium maltiness with caramel and toffee notes, and light toasty and sugary qualities that might be reminiscent of toasted breadcrumbs, ladyfingers, English biscuits, graham crackers, or butterscotch.
ABV: 3.8-5%
OG/FG: 1.036-1.046/1.01-1.014
SRM: 9-14
IBU: 18-28
Overall Impression An easy-drinking pint, often with subtle flavors. Slightly malty in the balance sometimes with an initial soft toffee or caramel sweetness, a slightly grainy-biscuity palate, and a touch of roasted dryness in the finish. Some versions can emphasize the caramel and sweetness more, while others will favor the grainy palate and roasted dryness.
Appearance Medium amber to medium reddish-copper color. Clear.
ABV: 3.8-5%
OG/FG: 1.036-1.044/1.007-1.011
SRM: 25-40
IBU: 25-45
Overall Impression A black beer with a pronounced roasted flavor, often similar to coffee. The balance can range from fairly even to quite bitter, with the more balanced versions having a little malty sweetness and the bitter versions being quite dry. Draught versions typically are creamy from a nitro pour, but bottled versions will not have this dispense-derived character. The roasted flavor can range from dry and coffee-like to somewhat chocolaty.
ABV: 5-6.5%
OG/FG: 1.052-1.062/1.01-1.014
SRM: 30-40
IBU: 35-50
Overall Impression A fuller-bodied black beer with a pronounced roasted flavor, often similar to coffee and dark chocolate with some malty complexity. The balance can range from moderately bittersweet to bitter, with the more balanced versions having up to moderate malty richness and the bitter versions being quite dry.
Appearance Jet black. Opaque. A thick, creamy, persistent tan head is characteristic.
Aroma Moderate to moderately high coffee-like aroma, often with slight dark chocolate, cocoa, biscuit, vanilla,or roasted grain secondary notes.
ABV: 4-6%
OG/FG: 1.044-1.06/1.012-1.024
SRM: 30-40
IBU: 20-40
Overall Impression A very dark, sweet, full-bodied, slightly roasty stout that can suggest coffee-and-cream, or sweetened espresso.
Appearance Very dark brown to black in color. Clear, if not opaque. Creamy tan to brown head.
Aroma Mild roasted grain aroma, sometimes with coffee or chocolate notes. An impression of cream-like sweetness often exists. Fruitiness can be low to moderately high. Low diacetyl optional. Low floral or earthy hop aroma optional.
ABV: 4.2-5.9%
OG/FG: 1.045-1.065/1.01-1.018
SRM: 22-40
IBU: 25-40
Overall Impression A dark, roasty, full-bodied stout with enough sweetness to support the oat backbone.The sweetness, balance, and oatmeal impression can vary considerably.
Appearance Brown to black in color. Thick, creamy, persistent tan- to brown-colored head. Clear, if not opaque.
Aroma Mild grainy, roasty, coffee-like character with a light malty sweetness that can give a coffee-and-cream impression. Low to medium-high fruitiness. Medium-low earthy or floral hop aroma optional.
ABV: 5.5-8%
OG/FG: 1.056-1.075/1.01-1.018
SRM: 30-40
IBU: 30-50
Overall Impression A very dark, sweet, fruity, moderately strong stout with smooth, roasty flavors,yet no burnt harshness.
Appearance Very deep brown to black in color. Clarity usually obscured by deep color. Clear, if not opaque. Large tan to brown head with good retention.
Aroma Moderate to high intensity sweetness is prominent. Moderate to high coffee or chocolate roasty aroma, but not burnt. Medium to high fruitiness.
ABV: 6.3-8%
OG/FG: 1.056-1.075/1.01-1.018
SRM: 30-40
IBU: 50-70
Overall Impression A very dark, rich, moderately strong, fairly dry stout with prominent roast flavors.
Appearance Very deep brown to black in color. Clarity usually obscured by deep color. Clear, if not opaque. Large tan to brown head with good retention.
Aroma Moderate to high roast, like coffee, dark chocolate, or lightly burnt grain. Low to medium fruitiness. May have a sweet aroma, or molasses, licorice, dried fruit, or vinous aromatics.
ABV: 5.5-8%
OG/FG: 1.055-1.08/1.015-1.022
SRM: 8-22
IBU: 30-60
Overall Impression An ale of respectable alcoholic strength, traditionally bottled-conditioned and cellared. Can have a wide range of interpretations, but most will have varying degrees of malty richness, late hops and bitterness, fruity esters, and alcohol warmth. The malt and adjunct flavors and intensity can vary widely, but any combination should result in an agreeable palate experience.
Appearance Amber to dark reddish-brown color; many are fairly dark.
ABV: 5.5-9%
OG/FG: 1.055-1.088/1.015-1.022
SRM: 10-22
IBU: 30-60
Overall Impression A stronger-than-averageEnglish ale, though usually not as strong or rich as an English Barley Wine, but usually malty. Warming. Shows positive maturation effects of a well-kept, aged beer.
Appearance Deep amber to very dark reddish-brown color, but most are fairly dark. Age and oxidation may darken the beer further. Clear, but can be almost opaque. Moderate to low cream- to light tan-colored head; retention average to poor.
ABV: 6.5-10%
OG/FG: 1.07-1.13/1.018-1.04
SRM: 14-25
IBU: 17-35
Overall Impression Rich, sweet malt depth with caramel, toffee, and fruity flavors. Full-bodied and chewy, with warming alcohol. Restrained bitterness, but not cloying or syrupy.
Appearance Light copper to dark brown color, often with deep ruby highlights. Clear. Usually has a large tan head, which may not persist. Legs may be evident in stronger versions.
Aroma Strong bready-toasty malt, with a high caramel and toffee aspect.
ABV: 8-12%
OG/FG: 1.08-1.12/1.018-1.03
SRM: 8-22
IBU: 35-70
Overall Impression A strong and richly malty ale witha pleasant fruity or hoppy depth. A wintertime sipper with a full, chewy body and warming alcohol.
Appearance Color ranging from golden amber to dark brown, often with ruby highlights and significant depth of color. Should not be black or opaque. Low to moderate off-white head.May have low head retention. Brilliant clarity, particularly when aged, although younger versions can have a little haze.
ABV: 3.8-5.5%
OG/FG: 1.038-1.054/1.008-1.013
SRM: 3-6
IBU: 15-28
Overall Impression Easy-drinking, approachable, malt-oriented American craft beer, often with interesting fruit, hop, or character malt notes. Well-balanced and clean, is a refreshing pint without aggressive flavors.
Appearance Light yellow to deep gold in color. Clear to brilliant. Low to medium white head with fair to good retention.
Aroma Light to moderate malty aroma, generally neutral or grainy, possibly with a light bread or caramel note.
ABV: 4.5-6.2%
OG/FG: 1.045-1.06/1.01-1.015
SRM: 5-10
IBU: 30-50
Overall Impression An average-strength, hop-forward, pale American craft beer with sufficient supporting malt to make the beer balanced and drinkable. The clean hop presence can reflect classic or modern American or New World hop varieties with a wide range of characteristics.
Appearance Pale golden to amber. Moderately large white to off-white head with good retention. Generally quite clear.
Aroma Moderate to moderately-high hop aroma from American or New World hop varieties with a wide range of possible characteristics, including citrus, floral, pine, resin, spice, tropical fruit, stone fruit, berry, or melon.
ABV: 4.5-6.2%
OG/FG: 1.045-1.06/1.01-1.015
SRM: 10-17
IBU: 25-40
Overall Impression An amber, hoppy, moderate-strength American craft beer with a malty caramel flavor. The balance can vary quite a bit, with some versions being fairly malty and others being aggressively hoppy. Hoppy and bitter versions should not have clashing flavors with the caramel malt profile.
Appearance Deep amber to coppery-brown in color, sometimes with a reddish hue. Moderately large off-white head with good retention.
ABV: 4.5-5.5%
OG/FG: 1.048-1.054/1.011-1.014
SRM: 9-14
IBU: 30-45
Overall Impression A toasty and caramelly, fairly bitter, standard-strength beer with an interesting fruitiness and rustic, woody hop character. Smooth and well carbonated.
Appearance Medium amber to light copper color. Generally clear. Moderate off-white head with good retention.
Aroma Moderate to high herbal, resinous, floral, or minty hops. Light fruitiness acceptable. Low to moderate caramel or toasty malt supports the hops.
Flavor Moderately malty with a pronounced hop bitterness.
ABV: 4.3-6.2%
OG/FG: 1.045-1.06/1.01-1.016
SRM: 18-35
IBU: 20-30
Overall Impression A malty but hoppy standard-strength American ale frequently with chocolate and caramel flavors. The hop flavor and aroma complement and enhance the malt rather than clashing with it.
Appearance Light to very dark brown color. Clear. Low to moderate off-white to light tan head.
Aroma Moderate malty-sweet to malty-rich aroma with chocolate, caramel, nutty, or toasty qualities. Hop aroma is typically low to moderate, of almost any type that complements the malt.
ABV: 2.8-4.2%
OG/FG: 1.028-1.04/0.998-1.008
SRM: 2-3
IBU: 8-12
Overall Impression A highly carbonated, very light-bodied, nearly flavorless lager designed to be consumed very cold. Very refreshing and thirst-quenching.
Appearance Very pale straw to pale yellow color. White, frothy head seldom persists. Very clear.
Aroma Low malt aroma optional, but may be perceived as grainy, sweet, or corn-like, if present. Light spicy, floral, or herbal hop aroma optional. While a clean fermentation profile is desirable, a light amount of yeast character is not a fault.
ABV: 4.2-5.3%
OG/FG: 1.04-1.05/1.004-1.01
SRM: 2-3.5
IBU: 8-18
Overall Impression A very pale, highly-carbonated, light-bodied, well-attenuated lager with a very neutral flavor profile and low bitterness. Served very cold, it can be a very refreshing and thirst-quenching drink.
Appearance Very pale straw to medium yellow color. White, frothy head seldom persists. Very clear.
Aroma Low malt aroma optional, but may be perceived as grainy, sweet, or corn-like, if present. Lightspicy or floral hop aroma optional.
ABV: 4.2-5.6%
OG/FG: 1.042-1.055/1.006-1.012
SRM: 2-5
IBU: 8-20
Overall Impression A clean, well-attenuated, highly carbonated, flavorful American “lawnmower” beer. Easily drinkable, smooth, and refreshing, with more character than typical American lagers, yet still subtle and restrained.
Appearance Pale straw to light gold color, although usually on the pale side. Low to medium head with medium to high carbonation. Fair head retention. Brilliant, sparkling clarity. Effervescent.
Aroma Medium-low to low malt notes, with a sweet, corn-like aroma.
ABV: 4-5.5%
OG/FG: 1.04-1.055/1.008-1.013
SRM: 3-6
IBU: 15-30
Overall Impression A pale, refreshing grainy, doughy, or bready wheat beer with a clean fermentation profile and a variable hop character and bitterness. Its lighter body and higher carbonation contribute to its easy-drinking nature.
Appearance Usually pale yellow to gold. Clarity may range from brilliant to hazy with yeast approximating aWeissbier. Big, long-lasting white head.
Aroma Low to moderate grainy, bready, or doughy wheat character.
ABV: 4.8-6.5%
OG/FG: 1.05-1.07/1.012-1.018
SRM: 22-40
IBU: 25-50
Overall Impression A malty, bitter, and often somewhat hoppydark beer with a balanced,roasted, and frequently chocolatey character.
Appearance Medium brown to very dark brown, often with ruby- or garnet-like highlights. Can approach black in color. Clear, if not opaque. Full, tan-colored head with moderately good head retention.
Aroma Medium-light to medium-strong roast aroma, often with a chocolate, light coffee,or lightly burnt character, sometimes with a background caramel or toffee sweetness, or a malty richness.
ABV: 5-7%
OG/FG: 1.05-1.075/1.01-1.022
SRM: 30-40
IBU: 35-75
Overall Impression A fairly strong, highly roasted, bitter, hoppy dark stout. The body and dark flavors typical of stouts with a more aggressive American hop character and bitterness.
Appearance Generally a jet black color, although some may appear very dark brown. Large, persistent head of light tan to light brown in color. Usually opaque.
Aroma Moderate to strong roast aroma, often with a roasted coffee or dark chocolate quality.
ABV: 8-12%
OG/FG: 1.075-1.115/1.018-1.03
SRM: 30-40
IBU: 50-90
Overall Impression An intensely-flavored, very strong, very dark stout with a broad range of interpretations. Roasty-burnt malt with a depth of dark or dried fruit flavors, and a warming, bittersweet finish. Despite the intense flavors, the components need to meld together to create a complex, harmonious beer, not a hot mess – sometimes only accomplished with age.
Appearance Color ranges from very dark reddish-brown to jet black.
ABV: 5.5-7.5%
OG/FG: 1.056-1.07/1.008-1.014
SRM: 6-14
IBU: 40-70
Overall Impression A decidedly hoppy and bitter, moderately strong,pale American ale. The balance is hop-forward, with a clean fermentation profile, dryish finish, and clean, supporting malt allowing a creative range of hop character to shine through.
Appearance Color ranging from medium gold to light reddish-amber. Clear, butlight haze allowable. Medium-sized, white to off-white head with good persistence.
Aroma A prominent to intense hop aroma often featuring American or New World hop characteristics, such as citrus, floral, pine, resin, spice, tropical fruit, stone fruit, berry, or melon.
ABV: 5.5-9%
OG/FG: 1.05-1.085/1.01-1.018
SRM: 25-40
IBU: 50-90
Overall Impression A beer with the dryness, hop-forward balance, and flavor characteristics of an American IPA, but darker in color. Darker malts add a gentle and supportive flavor, not a strongly roasted or burnt character.
Appearance Dark brown to black color. Clear, if not opaque. Light haze allowable, but should not be murky. Light tan to tan head, moderate size, persistent.
Aroma Moderate to high hop aroma, often with a stone fruit, tropical, citrusy, resinous, pine, berry, or melon character.
ABV: 6-9%
OG/FG: 1.06-1.085/1.01-1.015
SRM: 3-7
IBU: 25-60
Overall Impression An American IPA with intense fruit flavors and aromas, a soft body, smooth mouthfeel, and often opaque with substantial haze. Less perceived bitterness than traditional IPAs but always massively hop-forward.
Appearance Color ranging from straw to very light amber, sometimes with an orange hue. Hazy, often opaque, clarity; should not be cloudy or murky. The opacity can add a ‘shine’ to the beer and make the color seem darker.
ABV: 7.5-10%
OG/FG: 1.065-1.085/1.008-1.018
SRM: 6-14
IBU: 60-100
Overall Impression An intensely hoppy, fairly strong, bitter pale ale without the big, rich, complex maltiness, residual sweetness, and body of an American Barleywine. Strongly hopped, but clean, dry, and lacking harshness. Despite showing its strength, drinkability is an important consideration.
Appearance Gold to light orange-copper color, but most modern versions are fairly pale. Good clarity, although a little haze is acceptable. Moderate-sized, persistent, white to off-white head.
ABV: 6.3-10%
OG/FG: 1.062-1.09/1.014-1.024
SRM: 7-18
IBU: 50-100
Overall Impression A malty, bitter, and strong American Ale fitting in the space between American Barleywine, Double IPA, and Red IPA. The malty and hoppy flavors can be quite strong, but are generally in balance.
Appearance Medium amber to deep copper or light brown. Moderate-low to medium-sized off-white to light tan head; may have low head retention. Good clarity. Legs possible.
Aroma Medium to high hop aroma typically featuring modern American or New World hop characteristics such as citrus, floral, pine, resinous, spicy, tropical fruit, stone fruit, berry, or melon.
ABV: 8-12%
OG/FG: 1.08-1.12/1.016-1.03
SRM: 9-18
IBU: 50-100
Overall Impression A very strong, malty, hoppy, bitter American ale with a rich palate, full mouthfeel, and warming aftertaste, suitable for contemplative sipping.
Appearance Color ranges from amber to medium copper, rarely up to light brown. Ruby highlights common. Moderately-low to large off-white to light tan head; may have low head retention. Good to brilliant clarity but may have some chill haze. The color may appear to have great depth, as if viewed through a thick glass lens.
ABV: 8-12%
OG/FG: 1.08-1.12/1.016-1.03
SRM: 6-14
IBU: 30-60
Overall Impression A richly textured, high alcohol sipping beer with a significant grainy, bready flavor, and a sleek body. The emphasis is first on the bready, wheaty flavors with malt, hops, fruity yeast, and alcohol complexity.
Appearance Color ranging from gold to deep amber, often with garnet or ruby highlights. Low to medium off-white head. The head may have creamy texture, and good retention.
ABV: 2.8-3.8%
OG/FG: 1.028-1.032/1.003-1.006
SRM: 2-3
IBU: 3-8
Overall Impression A very pale, refreshing, low-alcohol German wheat beer with a clean lactic sourness and a very high carbonation level. A light bread dough malt flavor supports the sourness, which shouldn’t seem artificial. A gentle fruitiness is found in the best examples.
Appearance Straw in color, can be very pale. Clarity ranges from clear to somewhat hazy. Large, dense, white head with poor retention.
ABV: 4.6-6.5%
OG/FG: 1.048-1.057/1.002-1.012
SRM: 10-17
IBU: 10-25
Overall Impression A sour and fruityoak-aged reddish-brown Belgian-style ale with supportive toasty malt flavors and fruit complexity. The dry, tannic finish supports the suggestion of a vintage red wine.
Appearance Deep red, burgundy to reddish-brown in color. Good clarity. White to very pale tan head. Average to good head retention.
Aroma Complex fruity-sour profile with supporting malt. Fruitiness is high, and reminiscent of black cherries, oranges, plums, red currants, or fruit leather.
ABV: 4-8%
OG/FG: 1.04-1.074/1.008-1.012
SRM: 17-22
IBU: 20-25
Overall Impression A malty, fruity, aged, somewhat sour Belgian-style brown ale with a caramel-chocolate malt flavor, and often substantial alcohol.
Appearance Dark reddish-brown to brown in color. Good clarity. Average to good head retention. Ivory to light tan head color.
Aroma Richly malty with fruity esters and an aged sourness. Medium to medium-high esters commonly reminiscent of raisins, plums, figs, dates, oranges, black cherries, or prunes.
ABV: 5-6.5%
OG/FG: 1.04-1.054/1.001-1.01
SRM: 3-6
IBU: 0-10
Overall Impression A fairly sour, often moderately funky, wild Belgian wheat beer with sourness taking the place of hop bitterness in the balance. Traditionally served uncarbonated as a café drink.
Appearance Pale yellow to deep golden in color; age tends to darken the beer. Clarity is hazy to good. Younger versions are often cloudy, while older ones are generally clear. White colored head generally has poor retention.
ABV: 5-8%
OG/FG: 1.04-1.054/1-1.006
SRM: 5-6
IBU: 0-10
Overall Impression A very refreshing, highly carbonated, pleasantly sour but balanced wild Belgian wheat beer. The wild beer character can be complex and varied, combining sour, funky, and fruity flavors.
Appearance Golden color, with excellent clarity and a thick, rocky, mousse-like, white head that seems to last forever. Effervescent.
Aroma Moderately sour with complex but balanced funkiness accented by fruity notes. The funkiness can be moderate to strong, and can be described as barnyard, leather, earthy, goaty, hay, horsey, or horse blanket.
ABV: 5-7%
OG/FG: 1.04-1.06/1-1.01
SRM: 3-7
IBU: 0-10
Overall Impression A complex, refreshing, pleasantly sour Belgian wheat beerblending a complementary fermented fruit character with a sour, funky Gueuze.
Appearance Like Gueuze, but modified by the color of the fruit used, fading in intensity with age.Clarity is often good, although some fruit will not drop bright. If highly carbonated in the traditional manner, will have a thick rocky, generally long-lasting,mousse-like head, sometimes with a hue reflecting the added fruit.
ABV: 4.2-4.8%
OG/FG: 1.036-1.056/1.006-1.01
SRM: 3-4
IBU: 5-12
Overall Impression A tart, lightly-bittered historical central European wheat beer with a distinctive but restrained salt and coriander character. Very refreshing, with a dry finish,high carbonation, and bright flavors.Aroma
Appearance Unfiltered, with a moderate to full haze. Moderate to tall white head with tight bubbles and good retention. Effervescent. Yellow color.
Aroma Flavor Noticeable sourness, medium-low to medium-high. Moderate bready or doughy malt flavor.
ABV: 4.5-5.5%
OG/FG: 1.044-1.052/1.008-1.012
SRM: 2-4
IBU: 8-20
Overall Impression A pale, hazy Belgian wheat beer with spices accentuating the yeast character. Adelicate, lightly spiced, moderate-strength ale that is a refreshing summer drink with its high carbonation, dry finish, and light hopping.
Appearance Very pale straw to deep yellow in color. The beer will be very cloudy from starch haze or yeast, which gives it a milky, whitish-yellow shine. Dense, white, moussy head.
ABV: 4.8-5.5%
OG/FG: 1.048-1.054/1.01-1.014
SRM: 8-14
IBU: 20-30
Overall Impression A top-fermented, all malt, average strength Belgian ale that is moderately bitter, not dry-hopped, and without strong flavors. The copper-colored beer lacks the aggressive yeast character or sourness of many Belgian beers, buthas a well-balanced, malty, fruity, and often bready and toasty profile.
Appearance Amber to copper in color. Clarity is very good. Creamy, rocky, white head. Well carbonated.
Aroma Moderate bready malt aroma, which can include toasty, biscuity, or nutty notes, possibly with a touch of light caramel or honey.
ABV: 6-8.5%
OG/FG: 1.06-1.08/1.008-1.016
SRM: 6-19
IBU: 18-28
Overall Impression A family of smooth, fairly strong, malty, lagered artisanal French beer with a range of malt flavors appropriate for the blond, amber, or brown color. All are malty yet dry, with clean flavors.Darker versions have more malt character, while paler versions can have more hops while still remaining malt-focused beers.
Appearance Blond, amber, and brown variations exist, with the color varying
ABV: 6-7.5%
OG/FG: 1.062-1.075/1.008-1.018
SRM: 4-6
IBU: 15-30
Overall Impression A golden,moderately-strong Belgian ale with a pleasantly subtlecitrusy-spicy yeast complexity, smooth malty palate, and dry, soft finish.
Appearance Deep yellow to deep gold color. Generally very clear. Large, dense, and creamy white to off-white head. Good head retention with Belgian lace.
Aroma Light to moderate grainy-sweet, slightly toasty, or crackerymalt. Subtle to moderate yeast profile featuring fruity-citrusy esters (like oranges or lemons), and background spicy-peppery phenols.
ABV: 5-7%
OG/FG: 1.048-1.065/1.002-1.008
SRM: 5-14
IBU: 20-35
Overall Impression A family of refreshing, highly attenuated, hoppy, and fairly bitter Belgian ales with a very dry finish and high carbonation. Characterized by a fruity, spicy, sometimes phenolic fermentation profile,and the use of cereal grains and sometimes spices for complexity. Several variations in strength and color exist.
Appearance Pale gold to deep amber in color, sometimes pale orange. Long-lasting, dense, rocky white to ivory head.
ABV: 7.5-10.5%
OG/FG: 1.07-1.095/1.005-1.016
SRM: 3-6
IBU: 22-35
Overall Impression A very pale, highly attenuated, strong Belgian ale that is more fruity and hoppy than spicy. Complex and delicate, the dry finish, light body, and high carbonationaccentuate the yeast and hop character.Sparkling carbonation and effervescent, forming a rocky white head.
Appearance Pale yellow to gold in color. Good clarity. Effervescent. Massive, long-lasting, rocky, white head resulting in characteristic Belgian lace on the glass as it fades.
ABV: 4.8-6%
OG/FG: 1.044-1.054/1.004-1.01
SRM: 3-5
IBU: 25-45
Overall Impression A blond, bitter, hoppy table beer that is very dry and highly carbonated. The aggressive fruity-spicy Belgian yeast character and high bitterness is forward in the balance, with a soft, supportive grainy-sweet malt palate, and a spicy-floral hop profile.
Appearance Pale yellow to medium gold color. Generally good clarity, with a moderate-sized, persistent, billowy white head with characteristic lacing.
Aroma Medium-low to medium-high Belgian yeast character, showing a fruity-spicy character along with medium-low to medium spicy or floral hops, rarely enhanced by light herbal or citrusy spice additions.
ABV: 6-7.6%
OG/FG: 1.062-1.075/1.008-1.018
SRM: 10-17
IBU: 15-25
Overall Impression A deep reddish-copper, moderately strong, malty, complex Belgian ale with rich malty flavors, dark or dried fruit esters, and light alcohol blended together in a malty presentation that still finishes fairly dry.
Appearance Dark amber to copper in color, with an attractive reddish depth of color. Generally clear. Large, dense, and long-lasting creamy off-white head.
Aroma Moderate to moderately strong, rich malty aroma, with hints of chocolate, caramelized sugar, or toast.
ABV: 7.5-9.5%
OG/FG: 1.075-1.085/1.008-1.014
SRM: 4.5-7
IBU: 20-40
Overall Impression A strong,pale, somewhat spicy Belgian ale with a pleasant rounded malt flavor, firm bitterness, and dry finish. Quite aromatic, with spicy, fruity, and light alcohol notes combining with the supportive clean malt character to produce a surprisingly drinkable beverage considering the high alcohol content.
Appearance Deep yellow to pale amber in color. Good clarity. Effervescent. Long-lasting, creamy, rocky, white head resulting in characteristic Belgian laceon the glass as it fades.
ABV: 8-12%
OG/FG: 1.075-1.11/1.01-1.024
SRM: 12-22
IBU: 20-35
Overall Impression A dark, complex, very strong Belgian ale with a delicious blend of malt richness, dark fruit flavors, and spicy notes. Complex, rich, smooth, and dangerous.
Appearance Deep amber to deep coppery-brown in color (dark in the style name implies more deeply colored than golden, not black). Huge, dense, moussy, persistent cream- to light tan-colored head. Usually clear.
Aroma A complex and fairly intense mix of rich maltiness and deep fruit, accentuated by spicy phenols and alcohol.
ABV: 0-0%
OG/FG: 0-0/0-0
SRM: 0-0
IBU: 0-0
Overall Impression Most often drier and fruitier than the base style suggests. Fruity or funky notes range from low to high, depending on the age of the beer and strains of Brett used. May possess a light non-lactic acidity.
Appearance Variable by base style. Clarity can be variable, and depends on the base style and ingredients used. Some haze is not necessarily a fault.
ABV: 0-0%
OG/FG: 0-0/0-0
SRM: 0-0
IBU: 0-0
Overall Impression A sour andfunky version of a base style of beer.
Appearance Variable by base style. Clarity can be variable; some haze is not a fault. Head retention can be poor.
Aroma Variable by base style. The contribution of non-Sacch microbes should be noticeable to strong, and often contribute a sour and funky, wild note. The best examples will display a range of aromatics, rather than a single dominant character.
ABV: 0-0%
OG/FG: 0-0/0-0
SRM: 0-0
IBU: 0-0
Overall Impression An American Wild Ale with fruit, herbs, spices, or other Specialty-Type Ingredients.
Appearance Variable by base style, generally showing a color, tint, or hue from any Specialty-Type Ingredient (especially if fruit is used) in both the beer and the head. Clarity can be variable; some haze is not a fault. Head retention is often poor.
Aroma Variable by base style. The Specialty-Type Ingredients should be evident, as well as thedefining characteristics of a wild fermentation per the base style.
ABV: 4.5-7%
OG/FG: 1.048-1.065/1.006-1.013
SRM: 2-3
IBU: 3-8
Overall Impression A pale, refreshing, sour beer with a clean lactic sourness. A gentle, pale malt flavor supports the lemony sourness with moderate fruity esters.
Appearance Very pale in color. Clarity ranges from clear to somewhat hazy. Large, dense, white head with poor retention. Effervescent.
Aroma A sharply sour character is dominant (moderately-high to high). Can have up to a moderately fruity character (often peach, apricot, lemon, or tart apple).
ABV: 0-0%
OG/FG: 0-0/0-0
SRM: 0-0
IBU: 0-0
Overall Impression A pleasant integration of fruit with beer, but still recognizable as beer. The fruit character should be evident but in balance with the beer, not so forward as to suggest an artificial product.
Appearance Varies by base style and special ingredients. Lighter-colored beer should show distinctive ingredient colors, including in the head. The color of fruit in beer is often lighter than the flesh of the fruit itself and may take on slightly different shades.
ABV: 0-0%
OG/FG: 0-0/0-0
SRM: 0-0
IBU: 0-0
Overall Impression A tasteful union of fruit, spice, and beer, but still recognizable as beer. The fruit and spice character should each be evident but in balance with the beer, not so forward as to suggest an artificial product.
Appearance Varies by base style and special ingredients. Lighter-colored beer should show distinctive ingredient colors, including in the head. The color of fruit in beer is often lighter than the flesh of the fruit itself and may take on slightly different shades.
ABV: 0-0%
OG/FG: 0-0/0-0
SRM: 0-0
IBU: 0-0
Overall Impression A appealing combination of fruit, sugar, and beer, but still recognizable as a beer. The fruit and sugar character should both be evident but in balance with the beer, not so forward as to suggest an artificial product.
Appearance Same as Fruit Beer.
Aroma Same as Fruit Beer, except that some additional fermentables (e.g., honey, molasses) may add an aroma component.
ABV: 6-8.5%
OG/FG: 1.059-1.075/1.004-1.013
SRM: 4-8
IBU: 10-30
Overall Impression Combines the profile of a sparkling wine and a relatively neutral base beer allowing the aromatic qualities of the grape to blend pleasantly with hop and yeast aromatics. Can be in a range from refreshing to complex.
Appearance Color can range from pale golden to ruby but thoseusing red grapestend towards burgundy. These darker colors may also come from using cooked or concentrated grape products, never from specialty dark grains.
ABV: 4.5-6%
OG/FG: 1.042-1.05/1.008-1.012
SRM: 2-6
IBU: 18-25
Overall Impression A highly-attenuated pale lager without strong flavors, typically well-balanced and highly carbonated. Served cold, it is refreshing and thirst-quenching.
Appearance Pale straw to gold color. White, frothy head may not be long lasting. Very clear.
Aroma Low to medium-low grainy-malty or slightly corny-sweetmalt aroma. Very low to medium spicy, floral, or herbal hop aroma. Clean fermentation profile.
Flavor Low to moderate levels of grainy-malt flavor, medium-low to medium bitterness, with a crisp, dry, well-attenuated finish.
ABV: 4.5-6%
OG/FG: 1.042-1.055/1.008-1.014
SRM: 6-14
IBU: 8-25
Overall Impression A smooth, easily-drinkable, malty amber lager with a flavorful caramel or toast character. Usually fairly well-attenuated, often with an adjunct quality and restrained bitterness.
Appearance Golden-amber to reddish-copper color. Bright clarity. White to off-white foam stand which may not last.
Aroma Low to moderate grainy malt aroma often with very low to moderate caramel or toasty malt accents. Occasionally, nutty or biscuity, but never roasty.
ABV: 4.2-6%
OG/FG: 1.044-1.056/1.008-1.012
SRM: 14-30
IBU: 8-20
Overall Impression A darker, richer, and somewhat sweeter version of international pale lager with a little more body and flavor, but equally restrained in bitterness. The low bitterness leaves the malt as the primary flavor element, and the low hop levels provide very little in the way of balance.
Appearance Deep amber to very dark brown with bright clarity and ruby highlights. Foam stand may not be long lasting, and is beige to light tan in color.
ABV: 0-0%
OG/FG: 0-0/0-0
SRM: 0-0
IBU: 0-0
Overall Impression An appealing fusion of spices, herbs, or vegetables (SHVs) and beer, but still recognizable as beer. The SHV character should be evident but in balance with the beer, not so forward as to suggest an artificial product.
Appearance Varies by base style and special ingredients. Lighter-colored beer may show distinctive ingredient colors, including in the head. Variable clarity, although haze is generally undesirable.
ABV: 0-0%
OG/FG: 0-0/0-0
SRM: 0-0
IBU: 0-0
Overall Impression A malty, spiced beer that often has a moderately rich body and slightly warming finish suggesting a good accompaniment for the cool fall season, and often evocative of harvest or Thanksgiving traditions.
Appearance Medium amber to coppery-brown; lighter versions are more common. Clear, if not opaque. Well-formed, persistent,off-white to tan head. Some versions with squashes will take on an unusual hue for beer, with orange-like hints.
ABV: 0-0%
OG/FG: 0-0/0-0
SRM: 0-0
IBU: 0-0
Overall Impression A stronger, darker, spiced beer that often has a rich body and warming finish suggesting a good accompaniment for the cold winter season.
Appearance Medium amber to very dark brown; darker versions are more common. Clear, if not opaque. Usually clear, although darker versions may be virtually opaque. Well-formed, persistent, off-white to tan head.
Aroma Malty, spicy, fruity, and balanced. A wide range is possible, as long as it evokes the holiday theme.
ABV: 0-0%
OG/FG: 0-0/0-0
SRM: 0-0
IBU: 0-0
Overall Impression An appealing combinationof spices, herbs, or vegetables (SHVs), sugars, and beer, but still recognizable as beer. The SHV and sugar character should both be evident but in balance with the beer, not so forward as to suggest an artificial product.
Appearance Same as Spice, Herb, or VegetableBeer.
Aroma Same as SHVBeer, except that some additional fermentables (e.g., honey, molasses) may add an aroma component.
ABV: 0-0%
OG/FG: 0-0/0-0
SRM: 0-0
IBU: 0-0
Overall Impression A base beer enhanced by or featuring the character of additional grains. The specific character depends greatly on the added grains.
Appearance Same as base beer style, although some additional haze may be noticeable.
Aroma Same as base beer style. The added grain will lend a particular character, although with some grains the beer will simply seem a bit more grainy or nutty, and some may have a relatively neutral character.
ABV: 0-0%
OG/FG: 0-0/0-0
SRM: 0-0
IBU: 0-0
Overall Impression A tasteful integration of sugar and beer, but still recognizable as beer. The sugar character should both be evident and in balance with the beer, not so forward as to suggest an artificial product.
Appearance Same as the base beer, although some sugars will bring additional, usually darker, colors.
Aroma Same as the base beer, except that some additional fermentables (e.
ABV: 0-0%
OG/FG: 0-0/0-0
SRM: 0-0
IBU: 0-0
Overall Impression A well-balanced fusion of the malt and hops of the base beer style with a pleasant and agreeable smoke character.
Appearance Variable. The appearance should reflect the base beer style, although the color is often a bit darker than expected for the plain base style.
Aroma A pleasant balance between the expected aroma of the base beer and smoked malt. The smoke character ranges from low to assertive, and may show varietal wood smoke character (e.
ABV: 0-0%
OG/FG: 0-0/0-0
SRM: 0-0
IBU: 0-0
Overall Impression A well-balanced fusion of the malt and hops of the base specialty beer style with a pleasant and agreeable smoke character.
Appearance Variable. The appearance should reflect the base beer style, although the color is often a bit darker than expected for the plain base style. The use of certain fruits and spices may affect the color and hue of the beer as well.
ABV: 0-0%
OG/FG: 0-0/0-0
SRM: 0-0
IBU: 0-0
Overall Impression Based on declared beer.
Appearance Based on declared beer.
Aroma Based on declared beer.
Flavor Based on declared beer.
Mouthfeel Based on declared beer.
Style Comparison Ingredients History Comments Intended as a catch-all location for specific beers that are based on unique commercial examples that don’t fit existing styles. Past versions of the Style Guidelines included a Belgian Specialty Ale style; this style fits that general purpose, as well as allowing non-Belgian entries of similar intent.
ABV: 0-0%
OG/FG: 0-0/0-0
SRM: 0-0
IBU: 0-0
Overall Impression Based on the declared Base Styles, methods, and ingredients. As with all Specialty-Type Beers, the resulting combination of beer styles needs to be harmonious and balanced, and be pleasant to drink.
Appearance Based on the declared Base Styles.
Aroma Based on the declared Base Styles.
Flavor Based on the declared Base Styles.
Mouthfeel Based on the declared Base Styles.
Style Comparison Ingredients History Comments See preamble for intent.
ABV: 0-0%
OG/FG: 0-0/0-0
SRM: 0-0
IBU: 0-0
Overall Impression Varies, but should be a unique experience.
Appearance Varies.
Aroma Varies.
Flavor Varies.
Mouthfeel Varies.
Style Comparison Ingredients History Comments This style cannot represent a well-known commercial beer (otherwise it would be a Commercial Specialty Beer) and cannot fit into any other existing Specialty-Type Beer style (including those within this major category).
Commercial Examples None
Entry Instructions The entrant must specify the special nature of the experimental beer, including the special ingredients or processes that make it not fit elsewhere in the guidelines.
ABV: 3-4.1%
OG/FG: 1.028-1.044/1.008-1.014
SRM: 3-6
IBU: 20-35
Overall Impression A lighter-bodied, rich, refreshing, hoppy, bitter pale Czech lager having the familiar flavors of the stronger Czech Premium Pale Lager (Pilsner-type) beer but in a lower alcohol, lighter-bodied, and slightly less intense format.
Appearance Light yellow to deep gold color. Brilliant to very clear, with a long-lasting, creamy white head.
Aroma Light to moderate bready-rich malt combined with light to moderate spicy or herbal hop bouquet; the balance between the malt and hops may vary.
ABV: 4.2-5.8%
OG/FG: 1.044-1.06/1.013-1.017
SRM: 3.5-6
IBU: 30-45
Overall Impression A refreshing pale Czech lager with considerable malt and hop character and a longfinish. The malt flavors are complex for a Pilsner-type beer.The bitterness is strong and clean butlacks harshness, which gives a well-balanced, roundedflavor impression that enhances drinkability.
Appearance Medium yellow to deep gold color. Brilliant to very clear clarity. Dense, long-lasting, creamy white head.
Aroma Medium to medium-high bready-rich malt and medium-low to medium-high spicy, floral, or herbal hop bouquet; though the balance between the malt and hops may vary, the interplay is rich and complex.
ABV: 4.4-5.8%
OG/FG: 1.044-1.06/1.013-1.017
SRM: 10-16
IBU: 20-35
Overall Impression A malty amber Czech lager with a hop character that can vary from low to quite significant. The malt flavors also can vary, leading to different interpretations and balances ranging from drier, bready, and slightly biscuity to sweeter and somewhat caramel-like.
Appearance Deep amber to copper color. Clear to bright clarity. Large, off-white, persistent head.
Aroma Moderate intensity, rich malt aroma that can be either bready and Maillard product-dominant or slightly caramelly sweet.
ABV: 4.4-5.8%
OG/FG: 1.044-1.06/1.013-1.017
SRM: 17-35
IBU: 18-34
Overall Impression A rich, dark, malty Czech lager with a roast character that can vary from almost absent to quite prominent. Malty balance and an interesting and complex flavor profile, with variable levels of hopping that provides a range of possible interpretations.
Appearance Dark copper to almost black color, often with a red or garnet tint. Clear to bright clarity. Large, off-white to tan, persistent head.
ABV: 4.7-5.4%
OG/FG: 1.044-1.048/1.006-1.012
SRM: 3-5
IBU: 16-22
Overall Impression A gold-colored German lager with a smooth, malty flavor and a soft, dry finish. Subtle spicy, floral, or herbal hops and restrained bitterness help keep the balance malty but not sweet, which helps make this beer a refreshing, everyday drink.
Appearance Pale yellow to pale gold. Clear. Persistent creamy white head.
Aroma Moderate grainy-sweet malt aroma. Low to moderately-low spicy, floral, or herbal hop aroma.
ABV: 5.8-6.3%
OG/FG: 1.054-1.057/1.01-1.012
SRM: 4-6
IBU: 18-25
Overall Impression A smooth, clean, pale German lager with a moderately strong malty flavor and a light hop character. Deftly balances strength and drinkability, with a palate impression and finish that encourages drinking. Showcases elegant German malt flavors without becoming too heavy or filling.
Appearance Deep yellow to deep gold color; should not have amber hues. Bright clarity. Persistent white to off-white foam stand.
ABV: 6.3-7.4%
OG/FG: 1.064-1.072/1.011-1.018
SRM: 6-9
IBU: 23-35
Overall Impression A relatively pale, strong, malty German lager with a nicely attenuated finish that enhances drinkability. The hop character is generally more apparent and the malt character less deeply rich than in other Bocks.
Appearance Deep gold to light amber in color. Bright to clear clarity. Large, creamy, persistent, white head.
Aroma Moderate to strong grainy-sweet malt aroma, often with a lightly toasted quality and low Maillard products.
ABV: 2.4-3.6%
OG/FG: 1.026-1.034/1.006-1.01
SRM: 1.5-4
IBU: 15-28
Overall Impression A pale, highly-attenuated, light-bodied German lager with lower alcohol and calories than standard-strength beers. Moderately bitter with noticeable malt and hop flavors, the beer is still interesting to drink.
Appearance Pale straw to deep yellow in color. Brilliant clarity. Moderate white head with average to below average persistence.
Aroma Low to medium hop aroma, with a spicy, herbal, or floral character.
ABV: 4.4-5.2%
OG/FG: 1.044-1.05/1.007-1.011
SRM: 3.5-5
IBU: 18-30
Overall Impression A subtle, brilliantly clear, pale beer with a delicate balance of malt, fruit, and hop character, moderate bitterness, and a well-attenuated but soft finish. Freshness makes a huge difference with this beer, as the delicate character can fade quickly with age.
Appearance Medium yellow to light gold. Brilliant clarity. Has a delicate white head that may not persist.
Aroma Low to very low grainy-sweet malt aroma.
ABV: 5-6%
OG/FG: 1.05-1.058/1.008-1.015
SRM: 4-6
IBU: 20-30
Overall Impression A goldenGerman lager balancing a smooth malty profile with a bitter, hoppy character in a slightly above-average body and strength beer.
Appearance Medium yellow to deep gold. Clear. Persistent white head.
Aroma Medium-low to medium floral, spicy, or herbal hop aroma. Moderate grainy-sweet malt aroma, possibly with light toasty, bready, or doughy notes. Clean fermentation profile. Hops and malt both noticeable, and generally balanced.
ABV: 4.4-5.2%
OG/FG: 1.044-1.05/1.008-1.013
SRM: 2-4
IBU: 22-40
Overall Impression A pale, dry, bitter German lagerfeaturing a prominent hop aroma. Crisp, clean, and refreshing, showing a brilliant gold color with excellent head retention.
Appearance Straw to deep yellow, brilliant to very clear, with a creamy, long-lasting white head.
Aroma Moderately to moderately-high flowery, spicy, or herbal hops. Low to medium grainy, sweet, or doughy malt character, often with a light honey and toasted cracker quality.
ABV: 5.6-6.3%
OG/FG: 1.054-1.06/1.01-1.014
SRM: 8-17
IBU: 18-24
Overall Impression An amber,malty German lager with a clean, rich, toasty, bready malt flavor, restrained bitterness, and a well-attenuated finish. The overall malt impression is soft, elegant, and complex, with a rich malty aftertaste that is never cloying or heavy.
Appearance Amber-orange to deep reddish-copper color; should not be golden. Bright clarity, with persistent, off-white foam stand.
Aroma Moderate malty aroma, typically rich, bready, somewhat toasty, with light bread crust notes.
ABV: 4.8-6%
OG/FG: 1.05-1.057/1.012-1.016
SRM: 12-22
IBU: 20-30
Overall Impression Abeechwood-smoked,malty,amber German lager. The expected Märzen profile of toasty-rich malt, restrained bitterness, clean fermentation, and a relatively dry finish is enhanced by anoticeable to intense smoke character.
Appearance Very clear, with a large, creamy, rich, tan- to cream-colored head. Deep amber to coppery-brown in color, often a little darker than the underlying Märzen style.
Aroma Blend of smoke and malt, varying in balance and intensity.
ABV: 6.3-7.2%
OG/FG: 1.064-1.072/1.013-1.019
SRM: 14-22
IBU: 20-27
Overall Impression A strong,dark, malty German lager beer that emphasizes the malty-rich and somewhat toasty qualities of continental malts without being sweet in the finish.
Appearance Light copper to brown color, often with attractive garnet highlights. Good clarity despite the dark color. Large, creamy, persistent, off-white head.
Aroma Medium to medium-high rich bready-malty aroma, often with moderate amounts of rich Maillard products or toasty overtones.
ABV: 4.7-5.5%
OG/FG: 1.048-1.055/1.01-1.014
SRM: 9-15
IBU: 18-30
Overall Impression A moderate-strength continental amber lager with a soft, smooth maltiness and a balanced, moderate bitterness, yet finishing relatively dry. The malt flavor is clean, bready-rich, and somewhat toasty, with an elegant impression derived from quality base malts and process, not specialty malts or adjuncts.
Appearance Light reddish amber to copper color. Bright clarity. Large, off-white, persistent head.
Aroma Moderately-intense malt aroma, with toasty and malty-rich accents.
ABV: 4.3-5.5%
OG/FG: 1.044-1.052/1.008-1.014
SRM: 9-17
IBU: 25-50
Overall Impression A moderately colored, well-attenuated, bitter beer with a rich maltiness balancing a strong bitterness. Light and spicy hop character complements the malt. A dry beer with a firm body and smooth palate.
Appearance The color ranges from amber to deep copper, stopping short of brown; bronze-orange is most common. Brilliant clarity. Thick, creamy, long-lasting off-white head.Flavor
Aroma Malty and rich with grainy characteristics like baked bread or nutty, toasted bread crusts.
ABV: 4.5-5.6%
OG/FG: 1.048-1.056/1.01-1.016
SRM: 17-28
IBU: 18-28
Overall Impression A traditional malty brown lager from Bavaria. Deeply toasted, bready malt flavors without any roasty or burnt flavors. Smooth and rich, with a restrained bitterness and a relatively dry finish that allows for drinking in quantity.
Appearance Deep copper to dark brown, often with a red or garnet tint. Creamy, light to medium tan head. Usually clear.
Aroma Moderate to high malt richness, like toasted bread crusts with hints of chocolate, nuts, caramel, or toffee.
ABV: 4.4-5.4%
OG/FG: 1.046-1.052/1.01-1.016
SRM: 19-30
IBU: 20-35
Overall Impression A dark German lager that balances roasted yet smooth malt flavors with moderate hop bitterness. The lighter body, dryness, and lack of a harsh, burnt, or heavy aftertaste helps make this beer quite drinkable.
Appearance Medium to very dark brown in color, often with deep ruby to garnet highlights, yet almost never truly black. Very clear. Large, persistent, tan-colored head.
ABV: 7-10%
OG/FG: 1.072-1.112/1.016-1.024
SRM: 6-25
IBU: 16-26
Overall Impression A strong, rich, and very malty German lager that can have both pale and dark variants. The darker versions have more richly-developed, deeper malt flavors, while the paler versions have slightly more hops and dryness.
Appearance Good clarity, with a large, creamy, persistent head.Dark versions are copper to dark brown in color, often with ruby highlights, and an off-white head.Pale versions are deep gold to light amber in color, with a white head.
ABV: 9-14%
OG/FG: 1.078-1.12/1.02-1.035
SRM: 17-30
IBU: 25-35
Overall Impression A strong, full-bodied, rich, and malty dark German lager often with a viscous quality and strong flavors. Even though flavors are concentrated, the alcohol should be smooth and warming, not burning.
Appearance Deep copper to dark brown in color, often with attractive ruby highlights. Good clarity. Head retention may be moderate to poor. Off-white to deep ivory colored head. Pronounced legs are often evident.
ABV: 6.5-9.5%
OG/FG: 1.06-1.09/1.016-1.024
SRM: 17-30
IBU: 20-40
Overall Impression A strong, dark, malty beer with differentinterpretationswithin the Baltic region. Smooth, warming, and richly malty, with complex dark fruit flavors and a roasted flavor without burnt notes.
Appearance Dark reddish-copper to opaque dark brown color, but not black. Thick, persistent tan-colored head. Clear, although darker versions can be opaque.
Aroma Rich maltiness often containing caramel, toffee, nuts, deep toast, or licorice notes.
2025 January - British Brown Ale February - Red IPA March - Oatmeal Stout April - Kölsch, Saison, and Mexican Lager May - With Flowers (Declare your style) June - Belgian Blond July - Session (Declare your style) August - Chili Beer (declare your style) September - German Lagers (declare your style) October - Trick or Treat (name your candy and style) November - Nut Beer (declare your style) December - Best of Show 2024 January - Munich Dunkel February - Baltic Porter March - California Common April - American Pale Ale April - American Pale Ale May - Modelo Especial clone June - Wheat beer (declare your style min.
Duels may not be listed prior to points being awarded Competitions are organized by result date, plan ahead for entering on time 2025 2025-01-16 - Gauntlet
British Brown Ale
2025-02-20 - Gauntlet
Red IPA
2025-03-20 - Gauntlet
Oatmeal Stout
2025-04-17 - Gauntlet
Lazy-G Pro-Am Competition details Kölsch, Saison, and Mexican Lager
2025-05-15 - Gauntlet
With Flowers (Declare your style)
2025-06-19 - Gauntlet
Belgian Blond
2025-07-19 - Gauntlet
less than 5% ABV Session (Declare your style)
ABV: 4.3-5.5%
OG/FG: 1.042-1.054/1.009-1.013
SRM: 3-5
IBU: 15-22
Overall Impression Appearance Aroma aroma dulce maltoso ligero a moderado. Es aceptable el aroma frutal bajo a moderado. Debe tener aroma a lúpulo bajo a medio. Sin diacetilo.
Flavor Mouthfeel Style Comparison Ingredients History Comments Commercial Examples
ABV: 5-6.5%
OG/FG: 1055-1065/1008-1015
SRM: 6-15
IBU: 35-60
Overall Impression Appearance Aroma Intenso aroma a lúpulo con carácter floral y cítrico, derivado de los lúpulos argentinos. Muchas versiones tienen dry-hopping, lo que otorga un carácter a hierba adicional, aunque esto no es requerido. Puede hallarse dulzura límpida a malta e inclusive algo de caramelo, pero con menor tenor que en las Ipas inglesas. Un carácter frutal leve de los ésteres es aceptable, al igual que toques fenólicos producto de la fermentación del trigo, que nunca deben ser dominantes y solo deben agregar complejidad.
ABV: 4.5-12%
OG/FG: 1.045-1.1/1.005-1.015
SRM: 14-25
IBU: 6-30
Overall Impression A sometimes refreshing, sometimes more complex Italian ale characterized by different varieties of grapes.
Appearance Color can range from light gold to copper but some examples can be brown. Reddish/ruby color is usually due to the use of red grape varieties. White to reddish head with generally a medium low retention. Clarity is generally good but some cloudiness may be present.
ABV: 4-5.5%
OG/FG: 1.039-1.048/1.004-1.012
SRM: 2-6
IBU: 2-8
Overall Impression Appearance Aroma Médio à alto caráter de fruta, reconhecível e identificável de forma imediata. Uma acidez lática limpa de intensidade baixa à media que complementa a fruta. Malte tipicamente neutro, mas pode apresentar notas de pão e grãos em caráter de apoio. Fermentação limpa sem caráter de levedura selvagem ou funky. Sem aroma de lúpulo. Sem álcool agressivo. Especiarias, ervas e vegetais devem complementar a fruta se estiverem presentes.
ABV: 4.5-5.8%
OG/FG: 1.044-1.056/1.009-1.014
SRM: 2-6
IBU: 25-45
Overall Impression A pale, dry, golden-colored, cleanly-fermented beer showcasing the characteristic tropical, citrusy, fruity, grassy New Zealand-type hops. Medium body, soft mouthfeel, and smooth palate and finish, with a neutral to bready malt base provide the support for this very drinkable, refreshing, hop-forward beer.
Appearance Straw to deep gold in color, but most examples are yellow-gold. Generally quite clear to brilliant clarity; haziness is a fault.