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Beer Styles Guide

Craft beer comes in many styles, each with its own flavors, aromas, and characteristics. Use this guide to learn about common beer styles and discover new favorites.

The Sip branded glass recreated to represent IPA

IPA

India Pale Ale

Hop-forward and expressive with citrus, pine, and tropical fruit notes.

ABV
5.5%–7.5%
Bitterness
Medium–High
Body
Medium
Pairs well with
Spicy foods, grilled dishes
The Sip branded glass recreated to represent Lager

Lager

Lager

Crisp, clean, and refreshing with a smooth, easy-drinking finish.

ABV
4.2%–5.5%
Bitterness
Low
Body
Light–Medium
Pairs well with
Burgers, pizza, lighter fare
The Sip branded glass recreated to represent Pilsner

Pilsner

Pilsner

Light-bodied and crisp with a clean finish and mild hop character.

ABV
4.4%–5.2%
Bitterness
Low–Medium
Body
Light
Pairs well with
Salads, seafood, fresh cheeses
The Sip branded glass recreated to represent Wheat Beer

Wheat Beer

Wheat Beer

Smooth and refreshing with notes of citrus, banana, and clove.

ABV
4.3%–5.6%
Bitterness
Low
Body
Light–Medium
Pairs well with
Salads, seafood, creamy dishes
The Sip branded glass recreated to represent Amber Ale

Amber Ale

Amber Ale

Malty and balanced with caramel, toasty, and lightly hoppy flavors.

ABV
4.5%–6.2%
Bitterness
Medium
Body
Medium
Pairs well with
Chicken, pork, burgers
The Sip branded glass recreated to represent Brown Ale

Brown Ale

Brown Ale

Malty and smooth with nutty, caramel, and chocolate notes.

ABV
4.2%–5.6%
Bitterness
Low–Medium
Body
Medium
Pairs well with
Roasted meats, hearty stews
The Sip branded glass recreated to represent Porter

Porter

Porter

Dark and malty with notes of chocolate, coffee, and caramel.

ABV
4.5%–7.0%
Bitterness
Low–Medium
Body
Medium–Full
Pairs well with
Barbecue, chocolate, hearty meals
The Sip branded glass recreated to represent Stout

Stout

Stout

Rich and robust with roasted malt, coffee, and dark chocolate flavors.

ABV
4.0%–12%+
Bitterness
Low–High
Body
Medium–Full
Pairs well with
Beef, barbecue, desserts
The Sip branded glass recreated to represent Sour

Sour

Sour Ale

Tart and refreshing with bright acidity and fruity or funky flavors.

ABV
3.5%–8.0%
Bitterness
Low
Body
Light–Medium
Pairs well with
Salads, seafood, spicy cuisine
The Sip branded glass recreated to represent Belgian Ale

Belgian Ale

Belgian Ale

Complex and aromatic with fruity esters, spice, and a smooth finish.

ABV
5.0%–10%+
Bitterness
Low–Medium
Body
Medium–Full
Pairs well with
Mussels, rich sauces, soft cheeses
The Sip branded glass recreated to represent Saison

Saison

Saison

Light, crisp, and fruity with peppery spice and a dry finish.

ABV
4.5%–8.0%
Bitterness
Low–Medium
Body
Light–Medium
Pairs well with
Grilled vegetables, shellfish, salads
The Sip branded glass recreated to represent Cider

Cider

Hard Cider

Crisp and refreshing with natural fruit flavor and a clean finish.

ABV
4.0%–8.0%
Bitterness
None
Body
Light
Pairs well with
Cheese, pork, spicy foods

Designed for a better pour

Why the Special Glass?

The shape of our beer glass is designed to help you experience the beer’s aroma, appearance, temperature, carbonation, and foam the way the brewer intended.

Flared Rim

Supports the head of the beer and helps deliver the aroma directly to your nose.

Rounded Middle

Helps collect the aroma while giving you a clear view of the beer’s color and clarity.

Specially shaped craft beer glass used at The Sip

Narrow Base

Conducts less heat from your hand and helps the beer maintain the proper serving temperature.

Thick Glass Base

Acts as additional insulation between your hand and the beer, helping maintain serving temperature while making the glass more stable.

Why it matters: The right glass does more than hold the beer—it helps each pour look, smell, and taste its best.

Beer Terms
Explained

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)
The percentage of alcohol in a beer.
IBU (International Bitterness Units)
An estimate of bittering compounds from hops.
Body
How light, heavy, thin, or full the beer feels.
Malt
Provides bread, caramel, chocolate, color, and body.
Hops
Add bitterness, aroma, and flavors such as citrus, pine, and herbs.
Yeast
Ferments the beer and can add fruit, spice, or farmhouse character.

New to craft beer?

Ask Our Staff

Tell us what flavors or drinks you already enjoy, and we will help you find the perfect pour.

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