Cascade Kriek

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

O asked beer sommeliers for their regional favorites, then sampled their suggestions. Here are our favorites.

Northwest:


If You: Think you don't like beer

Try: Cascade Kriek ($16 for 750 millilters)

This sparkler from Portland lacks some of the bitter characteristics often found in beer, so it appeals to people who drink simple cocktails like a whiskey sour.
Anchor Steam

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Northwest
If You Like: Pabst Blue Ribbon

Try: Anchor Steam ($9 for six)

Anchor is known as the granddaddy of American craft breweries, and this not-too-intense classic from San Francisco has an easygoing allure with warm bread and sweet corn notes.
Goose Island Sofie

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Midwest
If You Like: Corona

Try: Goose Island Sofie ($8 for 22 ounces)

This light, frothy beer from Chicago has citrus notes and pairs well with salty foods like French fries and ham sandwiches.
Boulevard Brewing Company Unfiltered Wheat

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Midwest
If You Like: Anything from a German beer hall, like Hefeweizen

Try: Boulevard Brewing Company Unfiltered Wheat ($8 for six)

Serve this intensely tart Missouri beer with a slice of lemon, and consider it a (very) sophisticated take on lemonade.
Ommegang Witte

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Northeast
If You Like: Blue Moon Belgian White

Try: Ommegang Witte ($10 for four)

This microbrew from Cooperstown, New York, is slightly sweet—typical of Belgian-style ales—and has hints of lemon and orange.
Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project Jack D'Or

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Northeast
If You Like: White wine

Try: Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project Jack D'Or ($6 for 22 ounces)

This fruity beer from Somerville, Massachusetts, has qualities similar to a white table wine—it goes well with food, without stealing all the attention.
The Bruery Autumn Maple

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

California
If You Like: Sweet wines

Try: The Bruery Autumn Maple ($10 for 750 milliliters)

Each barrel of this Orange County brew includes 17 pounds of yams, as well as vanilla, molasses, and maple. Tasters noted flavors often found in desserts: cocoa, brown sugar, and caramel.
Shiner Bock

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Southwest
If You Like: Budweiser

Try: Shiner Bock ($8 for six)

This thirst-quenching Texan standout strikes the perfect balance of bitterness, sweetness, and malt.
Sweetwater 420 Extra Pale Ale

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Southeast
If You Like: Coors

Try: Sweetwater 420 Extra Pale Ale ($9 for six)

An Atlanta brewery turns out this crisp, light ale that's designed for easy drinking—its mild flavor and extra fizz make it fantastic for an afternoon barbecue.
Cigar City Maduro Oatmeal Brown Ale

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Southeast
If You Like: Guinness

Try: Cigar City Maduro Oatmeal Brown Ale ($12.50 for six)

Lovers of this Tampa, Florida, brew say it reminds them of a not-too-sweet oatmeal cookie, with aromas of molasses, cinnamon, and raisins.

Beer Experts:

Craig Wathen, The City Beer Store, San Francisco
Hayley Jensen, DBGB Kitchen and Bar, New York City
Jeff Wallace, Whole Foods Beer Room, New York City