The American beer scene is more vibrant and varied than ever, catering to everyone from seasoned craft beer enthusiasts to casual drinkers. The landscape offers a wide array of styles that cater to different palates and preferences. Whether you’re savoring a bold IPA or reaching for a light lager during a summer cookout, here are the top 10 beer styles leading the charge in 2024.
American Lager: The Go-To Classic
American lagers continue to lead the way thanks to their light, crisp flavor and drinkability. Known for their smoothness and low bitterness, these beers are the perfect companions for almost any occasion. Brands like Budweiser, Coors, and Miller Lite maintain their status as consumer favorites, making this style the reigning choice for mainstream drinkers.
Flavor profile: Light, clean, mild bitterness
ABV: 4-5%
India Pale Ale (IPA): A Hoppy Favorite
IPAs are beloved for their assertive hop presence, ranging from piney and resinous to fruity and tropical. Their bold flavor profile makes them a favorite among craft beer lovers. West Coast IPAs tend to have a crisper bitterness, while New England IPAs deliver a smoother, juicier experience. Popular brands like Lagunitas and Voodoo Ranger keep this style at the forefront.
Flavor profile: Bold hops, citrus, pine
ABV: 5-7.5%
Hazy IPA: The Juicy Alternative
Hazy IPAs, also known as New England IPAs, offer a unique take on the IPA style with their opaque appearance and tropical fruit-forward flavor. These beers are less bitter than their traditional IPA counterparts, making them more approachable for a broader range of drinkers. With their soft, juicy profiles, hazy IPAs have quickly become a favorite.
Flavor profile: Juicy, fruity, low bitterness
ABV: 5-8%
Pilsner: A Timeless Choice
Though lagers like pilsners may not get as much hype as IPAs, they hold a steady place among beer lovers. Known for their crisp, clean flavor and slight hop bitterness, pilsners remain a go-to for those seeking a refreshing, no-frills beer. Classics like Pilsner Urquell and Stella Artois are well-known examples.
Flavor profile: Crisp, clean, slightly bitter
ABV: 4.5-5.5%
Light Lager: Low-Calorie, High Appeal
As wellness trends continue to influence the beverage industry, light lagers have cemented their spot as a top-selling category. These beers, such as Michelob Ultra, offer the same crisp refreshment as traditional lagers but with fewer calories, making them appealing to health-conscious consumers.
Flavor profile: Light, refreshing, low-calorie
ABV: 3-4%
Amber Ale: A Perfect Middle Ground
Amber ales strike a beautiful balance between malty sweetness and moderate hop bitterness. Their caramel and toffee notes provide a richness that appeals to drinkers looking for more flavor, without overwhelming intensity. New Belgium’s Fat Tire is a well-known example of this versatile style.
Flavor profile: Malty, caramel, balanced bitterness
ABV: 4.5-6.5%
Stout: Rich, Dark, and Satisfying
Stouts, with their deep roasted malt character, offer flavors of coffee, chocolate, and caramel. Though some can be heavy, stouts like Guinness manage to balance richness with smooth drinkability, making them a popular choice year-round.
Flavor profile: Roasted malt, chocolate, coffee
ABV: 4-8%
Sour Ale: For the Adventurous
Sour ales have surged in popularity, appealing to those who enjoy a tart, tangy flavor. These beers are often brewed with wild yeast or bacteria, giving them their signature sour punch. Gose and Berliner Weisse are two well-loved varieties, often infused with fruity flavors.
Flavor profile: Tart, fruity, tangy
ABV: 4-6%
Blonde Ale: Light and Easy-Going
Blonde ales offer a mild, balanced profile that’s perfect for those who want an easy-drinking beer without the intense bitterness of an IPA or the heaviness of a stout. With a subtle malt sweetness, this style is great for casual drinkers.
Flavor profile: Mild, slightly sweet, balanced
ABV: 4-5.5%
Wheat Beer: Soft and Fruity
Wheat beers, particularly Hefeweizens and Belgian Wits, are known for their smooth, creamy texture and fruity-spicy flavors. Popularized by brands like Blue Moon, these beers often have notes of banana, clove, or citrus, making them a refreshing option.
Flavor profile: Fruity, spicy, smooth
ABV: 4.5-6%
As 2024 unfolds, these beer styles reflect the evolving tastes of U.S. consumers. Whether you’re reaching for a classic American lager or a trendy hazy IPA, the diversity in beer today ensures there’s something for everyone.
What’s your favorite style? Share your thoughts below!