We see that look all the time. You walk in, check out our beer board, and just feel stuck. Too many names, not enough clues. And we want you to know that it’s completely okay. We’ve all been there ourselves.

At our brewery, we believe your beer journey should be fun, not confusing. That’s why we built this place. We’re your neighbors, and nothing makes us happier than helping you find a beer you’ll love.

So let us do what we do best: talk beer. Think of this as our simple beginner’s guide to beer. We’re going to walk you through the main types of beer for beginners that we brew right here.

Understanding the Basics: What Makes Beer, Beer

So, what actually goes into your pint to make it taste the way it does? It’s simpler than you might think. Beer is just four basic things working together.

You’ve got your malt, your hops, your yeast, and your water. The malt is like the bread of the operation. It gives the beer its color and a sweet, toasty flavor. The hops are the spice. They add a subtle bitterness to balance out that sweetness and can smell like anything from pine needles to citrus fruit. The yeast is the quiet hero. It eats the sugar and makes the beer. And the water? It’s the base that everything else is built on.

We strike this balance with all our beers, especially the ones that are great for folks just starting out. We want every sip to be smooth and enjoyable, not a surprise attack on your taste buds.

Intrigued to learn more? Check out Beer Style Guidelines by Brewers Association.

Light and Easy: Gateway Beers for New Drinkers

Not every beer needs to be a big, bold adventure. Sometimes, you just want something smooth and refreshing that hits the spot. That’s exactly why we brew what we call gateway beers, perfect for starting your journey.

Blonde Ales and Lagers

These are the classics for a reason. They’re clean, crisp, and easy to drink. Think of them as a friendly handshake. We make our Y’all Be Easy Dark Mexican Lager with this in mind. It’s rich and smooth but finishes crisp and clean. It’s a dark beer that doesn’t feel heavy, making it a perfect first step for many of our guests. It’s one of the best types of beer for beginners.

Wheat Beers and Pilsners

If you prefer a little fruity and smooth, this is your spot. Our wheat beers, like Blackbird Fly, are unfiltered and brewed with real fruit. They’re cloudy, smooth, and super approachable. These craft beer basics are what we love to recommend on a sunny day by the river.

Finding Your Flavor: Exploring Styles Beyond the Basics

Once you get comfortable with those lighter beers, you might feel a little curious, and that’s the fun part. Now you can start exploring what else is out there. The world of beer has so much to offer, from malty and sweet to bright and hoppy.

Malty and Sweet: Stouts and Porters

Don’t let the dark color fool you. These beers are often smooth, rich, and surprisingly approachable. Think less about bitterness and more about the flavors of coffee, chocolate, or caramel. If you have a sweet tooth, this is a great place to look. We see many people happily surprised by this beer style.

Balanced and Flavorful: Amber Ales and Reds

These are the perfect middle ground. They have a little more toasty, caramel flavor from the malt than a lager, but they’re not hop-heavy like an IPA. They’re solid, flavorful, and balanced, a crowd-pleaser for a reason.

Hoppy and Bright: Pale Ales and IPAs

We know IPAs can be intimidating. But not all are bitter bombs. Many, like our Grateful West Coast IPA, are fruity and aromatic. If you’re curious, a great way to ease into these types of beer for beginners is to start with a Pale Ale or a Hazy IPA. They often have a softer, juicier hop character.

Taste Like a Pro: How to Discover What You Actually Like

Here’s a little secret we live by. You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy great beer. The real goal is just to figure out what you like. It’s all about trusting your own palate and having a good time.

Step-by-Step Tasting Tips

Next time you have a pint, try this:

• Look at it. Notice the color. Is it pale gold or deep brown?
• Give it a sniff. What do you smell? Citrus, bread, or maybe a little coffee?
• Now take a sip. Let it sit on your tongue. Think about flavors you know. Does it taste like toasted bread or dark fruit?

That’s all we mean when we talk about a beer style. You’re just connecting the beer in your hand to flavors you already know and love.

Start a Flavor Journal

This might sound fancy, but it’s really just a note in your phone.

• Did you love our Earth Cookie Brown Ale for its nutty, chocolatey vibe? Write that down.
• Did you try something too bitter? Note that, too.

This is the real beginner’s guide to beer. Paying a little attention. Our tap list at Little Miami Brewing Co. is always changing, giving you the perfect chance to taste and learn what makes you happy.

Learn, Sip, and Discover: The Little Miami Way

We’re not just another brewery. We’re your local spot on the river. We built this place to be the perfect spot to start your beer journey. It’s all about that community feel. Our Giveback Wednesday event is our way to support our communities.

Our relaxed taproom is the best place to put what you’ve learned into practice. We recommend starting with something approachable from our list. Our Bike Path Pilsner is always a crisp, refreshing choice. Or maybe try our Blackbird Fly Blackberry Wheat if you’re feeling a little fruity. The point is, there’s no wrong answer.

Our friendly staff is here to help you find your beer. We love talking about our recipes and what makes each one unique. This hands-on approach is what Cincinnati craft beer is all about.

FAQs: Your Beer Questions, Answered

We hear a lot of the same great questions at the bar. So let us clear a few things up. No jargon, we promise.

What beer is best for beginners?

You can’t go wrong with a lager or a wheat beer. They are light, smooth, and easy to drink. Our Bike Path Pilsner is a perfect example of a classic, beginner-friendly beer.

Are dark beers always strong?

Not at all. Color does not always mean heavy. Our Y’all Be Easy Dark Mexican Lager is smooth and roasty, but still light and crisp, perfect for those curious about darker beer styles.

What is the difference between an ale and a lager?

It mostly comes down to the yeast. Ales are fermented warmer, often giving it more fruity or complex flavors. Lagers are fermented cooler, making them crisp and clean.

No question is too simple when you’re learning what you like. (You can also check the learning tools for more beer knowledge.)

Your Beer Journey Starts Here

The best part of your beer journey is that it’s just beginning. Discovering what you love is a personal and fun adventure, and it’s one we’re passionate about sharing with you.

We invite you to make our taproom your home base. Come down to Little Miami Brewing Company, pull up a stool, and let us help you explore. We’ll be here, ready to pour you a perfect pint and share in the joy of a great beer found.

We can’t wait to see you. Visit us today!