Your First Craft Beer, Chosen by Personality. Understanding Style Differences Makes Every Sip More Enjoyable.
If you find yourself in the craft beer aisle thinking, "There are so many, I don't know what to choose," then focus on "style." Once you grasp the general flavor direction, it becomes surprisingly easy to pick one.
Unlike standard beers found in supermarkets and convenience stores, craft beers have completely different flavors depending on the brewer. That's why it's more enjoyable to choose one based on your mood rather than thinking in terms of "hit or miss." However, choosing by brand right away can be a bit challenging. That's where the concept of "style" (type of beer) comes in handy. This time, we'll gently introduce the basics of choosing and the styles you should know for first-time craft beer drinkers.
01The Difference Between Regular Beer and Craft Beer
Major manufacturers' beers are designed to have consistent quality every time you drink them, prioritizing crispness and a smooth finish, making them "mass-market" friendly. In contrast, craft beers are brewed by small breweries (breweries) that pursue individuality. The aroma, bitterness, sweetness, and richness change significantly depending on the hops, malt, yeast, and brewing methods used. First, let's look at the rough differences.
Major Brand Beers
Always the same stable taste / Emphasis on smooth finish and crispness / Suitable for everyone, regardless of food / Easy to gulp down
Craft Beers
Unique individuality from each brewer / Rich aroma, body, and bitterness / Choose based on mood or food / Savor slowly
From fruity ones to rich and full-bodied ones, and refreshingly light ones – the range of flavors is so wide that it's almost a disservice to lump them all under the single word "beer."
02Three Key Styles to Remember
Among the many styles, knowing these three first will make it easier to choose. We've summarized the image of color, aroma, and bitterness in a table.
| Style | Color Guide | Aroma & Flavor | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pale Ale /IPA |
A vibrant aroma reminiscent of citrus or tropical fruits. A firm hop bitterness. IPAs have an even more powerful aroma and bitterness. | With fried foods or spicy dishes | |
| Belgian Beer |
Traditional style originating from monasteries. Fruity aroma, deep richness, and a hint of sweetness complexly layered. | Alone, slowly, with cheese | |
| High-Alcohol Lager / Bock |
High alcohol content, rich and full-bodied. Sweet, rich, and very satisfying. Mild bitterness. | As a dessert after a meal |
03How Temperature and Glassware Transform the Taste
One often overlooked aspect is the drinking temperature. Ales, which emphasize hop aroma, are best slightly warmer, while crisp lagers are best well-chilled – the optimal serving temperature varies by style.
For Pale Ales and IPAs, 8-12°C is recommended rather than ice-cold. When the temperature rises slightly, the closed-in aromas unfurl beautifully. Conversely, crisp lagers are best served well-chilled to enhance their refreshing quality. Also, simply pouring the beer into a glass instead of drinking directly from the can or bottle changes how the aroma develops. Just a little extra effort can make the same beer taste significantly better.
04Three Craft Beer Selections for Enjoying Individuality
We've selected three beers of different types. They are recommended for both your first beer and for comparative tasting. We've also included a taste guide (Sumitaya staff's impression).
Teshigoto Brewery Hiroshima Saijo Lemon Ale, Koimai Ale, Sakagura Ale 3 bottles / 6 bottles set
Hiroshima craft beer brewed in the local sake town of Saijo. Tastes that are familiar to Japanese palates, such as the "Lemon Ale," a pale ale style using Hiroshima-grown lemons. Start with a local favorite.
Taste guide (5-point scale / Sumitaya staff's opinion)
Orval 330ml | Belgian Trappist Beer
Still brewed at Orval Abbey in southern Belgium, one of the few "authentic Trappist beers." Dry with a unique aroma and complex flavors that unfold as you drink. For a special evening, enjoyed slowly.
Taste guide (5-point scale / Sumitaya staff's opinion)
Samichlaus Classic 330ml | 14% ABV High-Alcohol Lager
Brewed only once a year in Austria, this 14% ABV lager is considered one of the strongest in the world. Its dense, rich flavor is truly dessert-like. For those seeking a substantial drink.
Taste guide (5-point scale / Sumitaya staff's opinion)
※Prices and stock levels can be checked on each product page.
05Frequently Asked Questions
- Should craft beer not be chilled too much?
- It depends on the style. For Pale Ales and IPAs, which emphasize hop aroma, 8-12°C is recommended rather than ice-cold; the aroma will open up as the temperature rises slightly. On the other hand, crisp lagers can be enjoyed refreshingly when well-chilled.
- Once opened, should I finish it that day?
- As the carbonation will dissipate, it is generally recommended to finish the beer on the day it is opened. The taste is best when freshly opened, so if you're concerned about finishing a whole bottle, choosing smaller bottles or cans can prevent waste.
- What snacks pair well with craft beer?
- Pairing by "matching intensity of flavor" is a good rule of thumb. Bitter IPAs go well with fried foods or spicy dishes, while rich Belgian beers pair well with cheese, smoked foods, and nuts.
Craft beer is a world where every sip becomes more enjoyable the more you know about it. Start with a style that interests you and give it a try. If you're ever unsure about how to choose, feel free to ask the staff at Sumitaya.
Leave a comment