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Last Updated: Monday, March 8th 2010 at 10:22 AM

• Alesmith Brewing Co.

  + Alesmith Nautical NutBrown (4.80% abv)

  English Brown AleSpawned from the Mild Ale, Brown Ales tend to be maltier and sweeter on the palate, with a fuller body. Color can range from reddish brown to dark brown. Some versions will lean towards fruity esters, while others tend to be drier with nutty characters. All seem to have a low hop aroma and bitterness.

• Alpine Brewing

  + Alpine Exponential Hoppiness (10.50% abv)

  American Double IPATake an India Pale Ale and feed it steroids, ergo the term Double IPA. Although open to the same interpretation as its sister styles, you should expect something robust, malty, alcoholic and with a hop profile that might rip your tongue out. The Imperial usage comes from Russian Imperial stout, a style of strong stout originally brewed in England for the Russian Imperial Court of the late 1700s. Its application to an unrelated style makes little sense to many, so Double IPA is quickly becoming the preferred name. You can thank west coast American brewers for this somewhat reactionary style. "Thanks!"

• Anchor Brewing Co.

  + Anchor Bock Beer (5.50% abv)

  Dunkel WeizenSimilar to a Hefe Weizen, these southern Germany wheat beers are brewed as darker versions (Dunkel means "dark") with deliciously complex malts and a low balancing bitterness. Most are brown and murky(from the yeast). The usual clove and fruity (banana) characters will be present, some may even taste like banana bread.

  + Anchor Liberty (6.00% abv)

  American Pale AleOf British origin, this style is now popular worldwide and the use of local ingredients, or imported, produces variances in character from region to region. Generally, expect a good balance of malt and hops. Fruity esters and diacetyl can vary from none to moderate, and bitterness can range from lightly floral to pungent. American versions tend to be cleaner and hoppier, while British tend to be more malty, buttery, aromatic and balanced.

  + Anchor Small Beer (3.80% abv)

  When opening Small Bar, Dennis and I flew to San Francisco to lobby again for Small Beer. Always a staple of ours when going to SF, this is an out-of-balance hoppy li'l beer. Anchor decided to take the 2nd runnings from their barleywine, Old Foghorn, and pitch some yeast to make a hoppy low-ABV pale ale. Waste not, want not. My personal favorite Anchor beer.

  American Pale AleOf British origin, this style is now popular worldwide and the use of local ingredients, or imported, produces variances in character from region to region. Generally, expect a good balance of malt and hops. Fruity esters and diacetyl can vary from none to moderate, and bitterness can range from lightly floral to pungent. American versions tend to be cleaner and hoppier, while British tend to be more malty, buttery, aromatic and balanced.

  + Anchor Steam (4.90% abv)

  California Common / Steam BeerThe California Common, or Steam Beer, is a unique 100% American style lager. It’s usually brewed with a special strain of lager yeast that works better at warmer temperatures. This method dates back to the late 1800’s in California when refrigeration was a great luxury. The brewers back then had to improvise to cool the beer down, so shallow fermenters were used. So in a way the lager yeast was trained to ferment quicker at warmer temperatures. Today’s examples are light amber to tawny in color, medium bodied with a malty character. Mildly fruity with an assertive hop bitterness. Anchor Brewing Co. trademarked the term "Steam Beer" and as such all other beers must be legally referred to as "California Common."

  + Anchor Steam Xmas Ale 2k9 (4.90% abv)

  Winter WarmerThese malty sweet offerings tend to be a favorite winter seasonal. Big malt presence, both in flavor and body. Hop bitterness is low, leveled and balanced, but hop character can be pronounced. Alcohol warmth is not uncommon. English versions contain no spices, though some brewers of spiced winter seasonal ales will slap "Winter Warmer" on the label, albeit a bit misleading.

• Angel City Brewing

  + Angel City India Pale Lager (6.80% abv)

  India Pale LagerSpecial Style created from Colby Chandler of Ballast Point. USING THE TECHNIQUES OF MODERN DAY IPA'S (MASH HOP, FIRST WORT HOP AND DRY HOP) AND THEN PITCHING GERMAN LAGER YEAST. HE USED AN OLD WORLD UK HOP LIKE EAST KENT GOLDINGS. WEST COAST HOPS LIKE CHINOOK, CRYSTAL AND CENTENNIAL. NEW VARIETY'S LIKE SUMMIT, HORIZON AND AMARILLO WERE ALSO USED. ALE YEAST ALWAYS HAS SOME FRUITINESS ASSOCIATED WITH IT, BY USING A CLEAN LAGER YEAST THE HOPS COME OUT THAT MUCH MORE.

• Avery Brewing

  + Avery White Rascal (5.50% abv)

  WitbierA Belgian Style ale that’s very pale and cloudy in appearance due it being unfiltered and the high level of wheat, and sometimes oats, that’s used in the mash. Always spiced, generally with coriander, orange peel and other odd ball spices or herbs in the back ground. The crispness and slight twang comes from the wheat and the lively level of carbonation. This is one style that many brewers in the US have taken a liking to and have done a very good job of staying to style. Sometimes served with a lemon, but if you truly want to enjoy the untainted subtleties of this style you’ll ask for yours without one.

• Ballast Point Brewing Co.

  + Ballast Pt Victory @ Sea Imperial Coffee (12.00% abv)

  American PorterInspired from the now wavering English Porter, the American Porter is the ingenuous creation from that. Thankfully with lots of innovation and originality American brewers have taken this style to a new level. Whether it is highly hopping the brew, using smoked malts, or adding coffee or chocolate to compliment the burnt flavor associated with this style. Some are even barrel aged in Bourbon or whiskey barrels. The hop bitterness range is quite wide but most are balanced. Many are just easy drinking session porters as well.

• Bear Republic Brewing Co.

  + Bear Republic Racer 5 (7.00% abv)

  American IPAA decidedly hoppy and bitter, moderately strong American pale ale. An American version of the historical English style.

• Bootlegger's Brewery

  + Bootlegger's Winter Ale 09 Chocolate Mint Porte (6.20% abv)

  Winter WarmerThese malty sweet offerings tend to be a favorite winter seasonal. Big malt presence, both in flavor and body. Hop bitterness is low, leveled and balanced, but hop character can be pronounced. Alcohol warmth is not uncommon. English versions contain no spices, though some brewers of spiced winter seasonal ales will slap "Winter Warmer" on the label, albeit a bit misleading.

• Brasserie de l’Abbaye des Rocs

  + Abbaye Des Rocs Grand Cru (9.50% abv)

  Belgian Strong Dark AleOn the same path as the Belgian Dark Ale but obviously higher in alcohol with more of an all around character. The alcohol character can be deceivingly hidden or can be very bold and in your face. Look for lots of complexity within a delicate palate. Hop and malt character can vary, most are fruity and some many have mild dark malt flavors. Phenols will range from minimal to high and most will be light on the hops. All in all most are spicy and alcoholic.

• Brouwerij Bockor N.V.

  + Cuvee des Jacobins Rouge (5.50% abv)

  Flanders Red AleA Flanders Red, are commonly referred to as the "red" beers of West Flanders. Belgian Red Beers are typically light-bodied brews with reddish-brown colors. They are infamous for their distinct sharp, fruity, sour and tart flavours which are created by special yeast strains. Very complex beers, they are produced under the age old tradition of long-term cask aging in oak, and the blending of young and old beers.

• Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat

  + Maredsous 10 (10.00% abv)

  TripelThe name "Tripel" actually stems from part of the brewing process, in which brewers use up to three times the amount of malt than a standard Trappist "Simple." Traditionally, Tripels are bright yellow to gold in color, which is a shade or two darker than the average Pilsener. Head should be big, dense and creamy. Aroma and flavor runs along complex, spicy phenolic, powdery yeast, fruity/estery with a sweet finish. Sweetness comes from both the pale malts and the higher alcohol. Bitterness is up there for a beer with such a light body for its strength, but at times is barely perceived amongst the even balance of malts and hops. The lighter body comes from the use of Belgian candy sugar (up to 25% sucrose), which not only lightens the body, but also adds complex alcoholic aromas and flavors. Small amounts of spices are sometimes added as well. Tripels are actually notoriously alcoholic, yet the best crafted ones hide this character quite evil-like and deceivingly, making them sipping beers.

• Brouwerij Het Anker

  + Gouden Carolus Tripel (9.00% abv)

  TripelThe name "Tripel" actually stems from part of the brewing process, in which brewers use up to three times the amount of malt than a standard Trappist "Simple." Traditionally, Tripels are bright yellow to gold in color, which is a shade or two darker than the average Pilsener. Head should be big, dense and creamy. Aroma and flavor runs along complex, spicy phenolic, powdery yeast, fruity/estery with a sweet finish. Sweetness comes from both the pale malts and the higher alcohol. Bitterness is up there for a beer with such a light body for its strength, but at times is barely perceived amongst the even balance of malts and hops. The lighter body comes from the use of Belgian candy sugar (up to 25% sucrose), which not only lightens the body, but also adds complex alcoholic aromas and flavors. Small amounts of spices are sometimes added as well. Tripels are actually notoriously alcoholic, yet the best crafted ones hide this character quite evil-like and deceivingly, making them sipping beers.

• Brouwerij Rodenbach N.V.

  + Rodenbach Grand Cru (6.00% abv)

  Flanders Red AleA Flanders Red, are commonly referred to as the "red" beers of West Flanders. Belgian Red Beers are typically light-bodied brews with reddish-brown colors. They are infamous for their distinct sharp, fruity, sour and tart flavours which are created by special yeast strains. Very complex beers, they are produced under the age old tradition of long-term cask aging in oak, and the blending of young and old beers.

• Brouwerij Van Honsebrouck N.V.

  + St. Louis Framboise (4.50% abv)

  Lambic - FruitIn the case of Fruit Lambics, whole fruits are traditionally added after spontaneous fermentation has started. Kriek (cherries), Frambroise (raspberries), Pˆche (peach) and Cassis (black currant) are common fruits, all producing subtle to intense fruit characters respectively. Once the fruit is added, the beer is subjected to additional maturation before bottling. Malt and hop characters are generally low to allow the fruit to consumer the palate. Alcohol content tends to be low. Some breweries opt to use fruit / sugar syrups vs. whole fruits, producing very untraditional sweet versions of the style.

• Chimay

  + Chimay White (8.00% abv)

  TripelThe name "Tripel" actually stems from part of the brewing process, in which brewers use up to three times the amount of malt than a standard Trappist "Simple." Traditionally, Tripels are bright yellow to gold in color, which is a shade or two darker than the average Pilsener. Head should be big, dense and creamy. Aroma and flavor runs along complex, spicy phenolic, powdery yeast, fruity/estery with a sweet finish. Sweetness comes from both the pale malts and the higher alcohol. Bitterness is up there for a beer with such a light body for its strength, but at times is barely perceived amongst the even balance of malts and hops. The lighter body comes from the use of Belgian candy sugar (up to 25% sucrose), which not only lightens the body, but also adds complex alcoholic aromas and flavors. Small amounts of spices are sometimes added as well. Tripels are actually notoriously alcoholic, yet the best crafted ones hide this character quite evil-like and deceivingly, making them sipping beers.

• Coronado Brewing Company

  + Coronado Red Devil (10.50% abv)

  Double American Amber/Red AleSimilar to an American Amber/Red Ale in appearance, but expect a more pronounced malt and bitter. Alcohol can be quite aggressive and lend some spicy notes to the flavor.

• DogFish Head

  + DogFish Head 90 Minute (9.00% abv)

  American Double IPATake an India Pale Ale and feed it steroids, ergo the term Double IPA. Although open to the same interpretation as its sister styles, you should expect something robust, malty, alcoholic and with a hop profile that might rip your tongue out. The Imperial usage comes from Russian Imperial stout, a style of strong stout originally brewed in England for the Russian Imperial Court of the late 1700s. Its application to an unrelated style makes little sense to many, so Double IPA is quickly becoming the preferred name. You can thank west coast American brewers for this somewhat reactionary style. "Thanks!"

• Firestone Walker Brewing Company

  + Firestone Pale 31 (4.60% abv)

  American Pale AleOf British origin, this style is now popular worldwide and the use of local ingredients, or imported, produces variances in character from region to region. Generally, expect a good balance of malt and hops. Fruity esters and diacetyl can vary from none to moderate, and bitterness can range from lightly floral to pungent. American versions tend to be cleaner and hoppier, while British tend to be more malty, buttery, aromatic and balanced.

• Gordon Biersch

  + Gordon Biersch Helles (4.80% abv)

  Munich Helles LagerWhen the golden and clean lagers of Plzen (Bohemia) became all the rage in the mid-1800’s, München brewers feared that Germans would start drinking the Czech beer vs. their own. Munich Helles Lager was their answer to meet the demand. A bit more malty, they often share the same spicy hop characters of Czech Pils, but are a bit more subdued and in balance with malts. "Helles" is German for "bright."

  + Gordon Biersch Schwarz (4.20% abv)

  SchwarzbierSchwarzbier ("shvahrts-beer"), is simply German for black beer. It doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily heavy or light in body, although they tend to lean towards light. Unlike other dark beers, like porters or stouts, they are not overly bitter with burnt and roasted malt characteristics that the others tend to depend on. Instead, hops are used for a good portion of the bitterness. Very refreshing and soul lifting beers, they also make a great alternative for the Winter. Especially when you are looking for a lighter beer, but one with depth of colour and taste.

• Green Flash Brewing Co.

  + Green Flash Belgian Brown (6.00% abv)

  Belgian Brown

  + Green Flash Double Stout (8.80% abv)

  American Double StoutThe American Double Stout gets some of it inspiration from the Russian Imperial Stout. Many of these are barrel aged, mostly in bourbon / whiskey barrels, while some are infused with coffee or chocolate. Alcohol ranges vary, but tend to be quite big, and bigger than traditional Russian Imperial Stouts. Most tend to have cleaner alcohol flavors, higher hop levels, and more residual sweetness. Very full-bodied with rich roasted flavors far surpassing normal stouts.

  + Green Flash Le Freak (9.20% abv)

  Belgian IPAInspired by the American India Pale Ale (IPA) and Double IPA, more and more Belgian brewers are brewing hoppy pale colored ales for the US market (like Chouffe & Urthel), and there's been an increase of Belgian IPAs being brewed by American brewers. Generally, Belgian IPAs are considered too hoppy by Belgian beer drinkers. Various malts are used, but the beers of the style are finished with Belgian yeast strains (bottle-conditioned) and the hops employed tend to be American. You'll generally find a cleaner bitterness vs. American styles, and a pronounced dry edge (very Belgian), often akin to an IPA crossed with a Belgian Tripel. Alcohol by volume is on the high side. Many examples are quite cloudy, and feature tight lacing, excellent retention, and fantastic billowy heads that mesmerize (thanks, in part, to the hops). Belgian IPA is still very much a style in development.

• Karl Strauss

  + Karl Strauss 21st Anniversary (10.20% abv)

  Belgian Strong Dark AleOn the same path as the Belgian Dark Ale but obviously higher in alcohol with more of an all around character. The alcohol character can be deceivingly hidden or can be very bold and in your face. Look for lots of complexity within a delicate palate. Hop and malt character can vary, most are fruity and some many have mild dark malt flavors. Phenols will range from minimal to high and most will be light on the hops. All in all most are spicy and alcoholic.

  + Karl Strauss Fullsuit Belgian Style Brown Ale (6.30% abv)

  Belgian Brown

• Kleinbrouwerij De Glazen Toren

  + Glazen Toren Saison (6.90% abv)

  SaisonSaisons are sturdy farmhouse ale that was traditionally brewed in the winter, to be consumed throughout the summer months. Close to being an endangered style, though there has been a revival in the US. This is a very complex style, many are very fruit in the aroma and flavor. Look for earthy yeast tones, mild to moderate tartness. Lot of spice and with a medium bitterness. They tend to be semi-dry with many only having touch of sweetness.

• Lightning Brewing

  + Lightning Black Lightning (8.50% abv)

  Baltic PorterPorters of the late 1700’s were quite strong compared to today’s standards, easily surpassing 7% alcohol by volume. Some brewers made a stronger, more robust version, to be shipped across the North Sea, dubbed a Baltic Porter. In general, the style’s dark brown colour covered up cloudiness and the smoky/roasted brown malts and bitter tastes masked brewing imperfections. The addition of stale ale also lent a pleasant acidic flavour to the style, which made it quite popular. These issues were quite important given that most breweries were getting away from pub brewing and opening up breweries that could ship beer across the world.

  + Lightning Old Tempest Ale (9.00% abv)

  English Strong AleBigger than a Pale Ale yet smaller than a Barleywine the English Strong Ale is a rich and complex beer. Many are unfiltered and bottle conditioned. The color tends to land somewhere between amber and reddish copper. They usually have a bold fruity, estery and malty mix. Hops can vary from mild bitterness to a full blown hop character with a bold hop flavor and aroma. The alcohol can be quite noticeable, a hint of solvent is possible.

• Mikkeller

  + Mikkeller To Via From (8.00% abv)

  Imperial/Strong Porter

• Mission Brewery

  + Mission Amber (5.00% abv)

  American Amber / Red AlePrimarily a catch all for any beer less than a Dark Ale in color, ranging from amber (duh) to deep red hues. This style of beer tends to focus on the malts, but hop character can range from low to high. Expect a balanced beer, with toasted malt characters and a light fruitiness in most examples. The range can run from a basic ale, to American brewers who brew faux-Oktoberfest style beers that are actually ales instead of lagers.

• Napa Smith

  + Napa Smith Lost Dog (7.20% abv)

  American Amber / Red AlePrimarily a catch all for any beer less than a Dark Ale in color, ranging from amber (duh) to deep red hues. This style of beer tends to focus on the malts, but hop character can range from low to high. Expect a balanced beer, with toasted malt characters and a light fruitiness in most examples. The range can run from a basic ale, to American brewers who brew faux-Oktoberfest style beers that are actually ales instead of lagers.

  + Napa Smith Wheat Beer (4.60% abv)

  American Wheat and FruitAmerican style wheat beer with raspberry or other fruit puree added after filtration. Giving the lager or ale a natural haze, a fruity aroma, and a tartly sweet taste.

• New Belgium Brewing Co.

  + New Belgium Ranger (6.50% abv)

  American IPAA decidedly hoppy and bitter, moderately strong American pale ale. An American version of the historical English style.

• North Coast Brewing Co.

  + North Coast La Merle (7.90% abv)

  SaisonSaisons are sturdy farmhouse ale that was traditionally brewed in the winter, to be consumed throughout the summer months. Close to being an endangered style, though there has been a revival in the US. This is a very complex style, many are very fruit in the aroma and flavor. Look for earthy yeast tones, mild to moderate tartness. Lot of spice and with a medium bitterness. They tend to be semi-dry with many only having touch of sweetness.

• St James Gate

  + Guinness (4.20% abv)

  Irish Dry StoutOne of the most common stouts, Dry Irish Stout tend to have light-ish bodies to keep them on the highly drinkable side. They’re usually a lower carbonation brew and served on a nitro system for that creamy, masking effect. Bitterness comes from both roasted barley and a generous dose of hops, though the roasted character will be more noticeable. Examples of the style are, of course, the big three, Murphy’s, Beamish, and Guinness, however there are many American brewed Dry Stouts that are comparable, if not better.

• Stone Brewing Co.

  + Stone Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale (7.20% abv)

  American Strong AleCatch all style category for beers from 7.0 percent alcohol by volume and above, Some may even be as high as 25% abv. Characteristics will greatly vary, some have similarities to Barley-wines and Old Ales. Barrel aging is certainly not out of the question.

• Taunton Cider Company, The

  + BlackThorn Cider (6.00% abv)

  Cider

Last Updated: Monday, March 8th 2010 at 10:22 AM