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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
