Article at a Glance
- Understand what makes craft beer unique and how to taste it like a pro
- Learn the key differences between ales, lagers, IPAs, stouts, and wheat beers
- Explore our beginner-friendly beer recommendations at Alter Brewing
- Discover how to choose the craft beer that fits your taste
Understanding Craft Beer
At Alter Brewing, we believe great beer tells a story. Each pint represents creativity, craftsmanship, and connection. Craft beer isn’t just about drinking something delicious; it’s about celebrating the artistry behind every batch.
Unlike mass-produced beers, craft brews are made in smaller quantities, allowing us to focus on quality ingredients, balanced flavors, and individuality. That’s what makes our beer more than just refreshing; it’s meaningful.
What Makes Craft Beer Different?
Craft beer stands apart because it’s brewed with care and intention. Instead of chasing sameness, we focus on innovation and flavor. From hoppy and bright IPAs to smooth, malty stouts, our goal is to bring a range of experiences to your glass.
Every beer we make is crafted by people who love the process and take pride in the result. You can taste that difference in every pour.
Differentiating Beer Styles
There are hundreds of recognized beer styles, each defined by unique ingredients and brewing methods. Learning about these categories is the best way to find what you love. If you’re new to craft beer, start with a few main families: ales, lagers, and specialty styles like sours and wheat beers.
Ales vs. Lagers
The main difference between ales and lagers lies in the yeast and fermentation temperature. Ales ferment at warmer temperatures with top-fermenting yeast, while lagers use bottom-fermenting yeast at cooler temperatures.
- Ales are brewed warm with top-fermenting yeast, creating complex, fruity flavors.
- Lagers are brewed cool with bottom-fermenting yeast, producing crisp, clean notes.
If you enjoy bright, refreshing flavors, try a lager. If you like bolder, fruitier options, ales might be your go-to.
IPAs Explained
The India Pale Ale (IPA) is a cornerstone of the craft beer world. Known for its hop-forward profile, IPAs range from citrusy and floral to piney and resinous. Their distinctive bitterness and aromatic complexity make them instantly recognizable to beer enthusiasts.
Popular styles include:
- Hazy or New England IPAs: Smooth and juicy with a soft finish.
- West Coast IPAs: Crisp and bold with firm bitterness.
- Session IPAs: Lighter in alcohol but still full of hop flavor.
If you’re curious, stop by our Downers Grove taproom and ask for an IPA flight; you’ll experience just how diverse hops can be.
Stouts and Porters
If you love coffee or chocolate, stouts and porters might be your match. These darker beers are known for their rich, roasted malt character. Think flavors of espresso, dark chocolate, and even a hint of caramel.
- Porters are smooth and slightly sweet.
- Stouts are bolder with flavors of espresso, dark chocolate, and caramel.
Our team can recommend the perfect dark beer to complement your favorite dish from our kitchen.
Wheat Beers and Their Varieties
Wheat beers are a great starting point for anyone new to craft beer. They’re light, hazy, and refreshing with subtle fruit or spice notes. Think of them as the easy-drinking cousins of your typical lager.
Common varieties include:
- Hefeweizen (Germany): Banana and clove flavors from yeast.
- Witbier (Belgium): Citrus and coriander accents.
- American Wheat: Clean, balanced, and easy-drinking.
When summer hits, you’ll often find a seasonal wheat beer or two on tap at Alter.
Craft Beer Tasting: A Beginner’s Guide
Tasting craft beer is about slowing down and savoring the experience. Start by observing the color and clarity. Swirl gently to release the aroma, then take a small sip and let it linger on your palate. Try different styles side by side in a beer flight to learn what you like. The more you taste, the more your preferences will develop.
Evaluating Beer Aromas
The aroma of a beer reveals a lot about its ingredients. Notes of fruit, spice, or roasted malt offer clues to its unique composition.
- Hops bring floral, citrus, or pine notes.
- Malts create aromas of bread, caramel, or chocolate.
- Yeast adds fruit or spice complexity.
Take a moment to breathe it in before sipping; it’s one of the most enjoyable parts of beer tasting.
Understanding Flavor Profiles
Every beer tells its story through balance. Malt sweetness, hop bitterness, yeast character, and body all work together. When perfectly harmonized, these elements create a unique and memorable drinking experience.
Common flavor terms include:
- Malty: Sweet or toasty
- Hoppy: Bitter, floral, or citrusy
- Roasty: Coffee or cocoa
- Fruity: Banana or apple
Knowing how to describe what you taste makes it easier for our bartenders to recommend your next pour.
Exploring Our Lineup at Alter Brewing
Our taplist changes often because we love experimenting. From crisp lagers to hop-packed IPAs and rich stouts, there’s always something new to explore. Check out our Beer Menu or visit our Oak Brook and St. Charles locations to see what’s on tap. Each beer is brewed with care, creativity, and community in mind.
Recommended Beginner-Friendly Beers
If you’re just getting started, these approachable options are a great entry point: They offer an easy way to dive in without feeling overwhelmed, making your transition smooth and enjoyable.
- Blonde Ales
- Cream Ales
- Wheat Beers
- Amber Ales
They’re smooth, balanced, and flavorful without being overwhelming. Ask our team for their favorites when you visit; they love helping new guests find “the one.”
Top Picks for Craft Beer Enthusiasts
Already deep into the craft beer scene? You’ll find something to love in our rotating list of specialty brews. Discover new and exciting flavors with each visit.
Try one of our:
- Hazy IPAs for juicy hop flavor
- Imperial Stouts for big, bold richness
- Sours for something tart and refreshing
Check our Events Page for special tappings and release parties to discover what’s new.
Pairing Food with Beer
Food and beer pairing is one of our favorite topics. Matching flavors enhances both the dish and the drink. When done right, it can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level.
- IPAs pair beautifully with spicy or fried foods.
- Wheat beers complement seafood and salads.
- Stouts are perfect with chocolate desserts.
Our kitchen menu was designed to work hand in hand with our beer list, creating an experience that goes beyond your average pint.
Finding Your Perfect Pour at Alter
Discovering your favorite craft beer takes time, and that’s part of the fun. Whether you’re into light and crisp lagers, hop-forward IPAs, or smooth dark stouts, there’s something for every palate here at Alter Brewing.
Visit one of our taprooms, try a flight, and chat with our team. We’ll help guide you toward your perfect pour. Great beer is just the beginning. It’s about connection, discovery, and good times shared over a glass.
Cheers to finding your next favorite beer with us.