The 411 on Craft Beers

At Chad’s, we love craft beer. From local Maryland brews to fan favorites from all over, we will try them all. We love that craft beer is a big deal these days. It’s giving an ode to the variety of tastes beer can have. Well, and the fact that beer is literally the yin to BBQs yang. Are you new to the craft beer world? Not worries. We have your back. Here is a basic breakdown of major categories of craft beers. If you already know your craft beers, you might just learn something new.

Lagers

craft beers Pronounced log-er, this beer is typically characterized by its low-temperature conditioning. It is usually in cold storage at the brewery before being delivered to consumers. It may be pale, golden, amber or dark in color. Also, it is known for the use of bottom-fermenting lager yeast.

Stout

Stout is a dark beer made using roasted malt or roasted barley, hops, water, and yeast. Stouts were traditionally a generic term for the strongest or stoutest porters, with a 7% or 8% alcohol content. There are some styles of stout including milk stout, imperial stout, oatmeal stout, dry stout, sweet stout, and oyster stout. Born from the porter style of beer, those with heavier bodies were called stout porters. The history and development of stout and porter are intertwined.

IPA

An abundance of hops characterizes today’s IPA. The hops will impart flavor, aroma, and bitterness. IPAs characteristic aromas include citrus, pine, or flowers. There are three main styles of IPA produced today American-style, English-style, and Double or Imperial. The more traditional English varieties may provide a lighter and drier profile with touches of earthy, hay-like, grassy, and woody hop flavors. Newer varieties may have a milder malt character and intensely flavorful hops, resulting in a brew featuring notes of citrus, resin, and tropical fruit.

Beers on table at ChadsWheat

Simply broken down, Hefe (yeast) Weizen (wheat) is of German origin and traditionally means an unfiltered wheat beer with yeast. It is often referred to as weissbier mit hefe (with yeast). Crafted with 50%-65% malted wheat and 35-50% malted barley. Hefeweizens are highly carbonated brews and when poured these beers should be cloudy pale gold to an amber. The result is a very crisp and refreshing beverage.

Doppelbock

Doppelbock is one of Germany’s oldest beers. The story is that back in the 1600’s monks were brewing this “liquid bread” as a way to stave off hunger while fasting during the Lenten Season. During this time, monks would not consume any solid foods. The monks felt the liquids cleansed both the body and the soul. Which confirms our belief that drinking beer can be a heavenly experience. Doppelbock also contains some of the highest alcohol content, between 7% and 13%.

Pilsner

Pilsner is one of the most common types of brewed beer consumed in America. But a true pilsner is anything but common. The style originates from the Czech Republic. These varieties are tangy and crisp, highly carbonated and a bit floral. German-style pilsners are similar but tend to be lighter. Pilsners have a lower alcohol content and are delicate and, believe it or not, can be expensive to make.

There is no better companion to delicious BBQ or a juicy burger than an ice cold beer. Chad’s always makes sure to have an interesting selection of tried and true favorites with new craft beers and rare finds to entice your taste buds. Come on in and try one today!

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