Style Guidelines
Note: Many of these 37 Main Categories contain numerous beer styles — They are not individual sub-categories with their own respective set of Gold, Silver, Bronze awards. Example: “Category 1 – Standard American Beer” could have Awards presented to an American Light Lager(s), an American Lager(S), a Cream Ale(s), and/or an American Wheat Beer(s). “Category 1” will have 3 Medal-placements awarded, not 12.
1. Standard American Beer
A highly carbonated, very light-bodied, nearly flavorless lager designed to be consumed very cold. Very refreshing and thirst-quenching.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 8 – 12 |
| SRM | 2 – 3 |
| Original Gravity | 1.028 – 1.040 |
| Final Gravity | 0.998 – 1.008 |
| ABV | 2.8% – 4.2% |
A very pale, highly-carbonated, light-bodied, well-attenuated lager with a very neutral flavor profile and low bitterness. Served very cold, it can be a very refreshing and thirst-quenching drink.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 8 – 12 |
| SRM | 2 – 3.5 |
| Original Gravity | 1.040 – 1.050 |
| Final Gravity | 1.004 – 1.010 |
| ABV | 4.2% – 5.3% |
A clean, well-attenuated, highly carbonated, flavorful American “lawnmower” beer. Easily drinkable, smooth, and refreshing, with more character than typical American lagers, yet still subtle and restrained.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 8 – 20 |
| SRM | 2 – 5 |
| Original Gravity | 1.042 – 1.055 |
| Final Gravity | 1.006 – 1.012 |
| ABV | 4.2% – 5.6% |
A pale, refreshing grainy, doughy, or bready wheat beer with a clean fermentation profile and a variable hop character and bitterness. Its lighter body and higher carbonation contribute to its easy-drinking nature.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 15 – 30 |
| SRM | 3 – 6 |
| Original Gravity | 1.040 – 1.055 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.013 |
| ABV | 4% – 5.5% |
2. International Lager
A highly-attenuated pale lager without strong flavors, typically well-balanced and highly carbonated. Served cold, it is refreshing and thirst-quenching.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 18 – 25 |
| SRM | 2 – 6 |
| Original Gravity | 1.042 – 1.050 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.012 |
| ABV | 4.5% – 6% |
A smooth, easily-drinkable, malty amber lager with a flavorful caramel or toast character. Usually fairly well-attenuated, often with an adjunct quality and restrained bitterness.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 8 – 25 |
| SRM | 6 – 14 |
| Original Gravity | 1.042 – 1.055 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.014 |
| ABV | 4.5% – 6% |
A darker, richer, and somewhat sweeter version of international pale lager with a little more body and flavor, but equally restrained in bitterness. The low bitterness leaves the malt as the primary flavor element, and the low hop levels provide very little in the way of balance.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 8 – 20 |
| SRM | 14 – 30 |
| Original Gravity | 1.044 – 1.056 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.012 |
| ABV | 4.2% – 6% |
3. Czech Lager
A lighter-bodied, rich, refreshing, hoppy, bitter pale Czech lager having the familiar flavors of the stronger Czech Premium Pale Lager (Pilsner-type) beer but in a lower alcohol, lighter-bodied, and slightly less intense format.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 20 – 35 |
| SRM | 3 – 6 |
| Original Gravity | 1.028 – 1.044 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.014 |
| ABV | 3% – 4.1% |
A refreshing pale Czech lager with considerable malt and hop character and a long finish. The malt flavors are complex for a Pilsner-type beer. The bitterness is strong and clean but lacks harshness, which gives a well-balanced, rounded flavor impression that enhances drinkability.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 30 – 45 |
| SRM | 3.5 – 6 |
| Original Gravity | 1.044 – 1.060 |
| Final Gravity | 1.013 – 1.017 |
| ABV | 4.2% – 5.8% |
A malty amber Czech lager with a hop character that can vary from low to quite significant. The malt flavors also can vary, leading to different interpretations and balances ranging from drier, bready, and slightly biscuity to sweeter and somewhat caramel-like.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 20 – 35 |
| SRM | 10 – 16 |
| Original Gravity | 1.044 – 1.060 |
| Final Gravity | 1.013 – 1.017 |
| ABV | 4.4% – 5.8% |
A rich, dark, malty Czech lager with a roast character that can vary from almost absent to quite prominent. Malty balance and an interesting and complex flavor profile, with variable levels of hopping that provides a range of possible interpretations.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 18 – 34 |
| SRM | 17 – 35 |
| Original Gravity | 1.044 – 1.060 |
| Final Gravity | 1.013 – 1.017 |
| ABV | 4.4% – 5.8% |
4. Pale Malty European Lager
A gold-colored German lager with a smooth, malty flavor and a soft, dry finish. Subtle spicy, floral, or herbal hops and restrained bitterness help keep the balance malty but not sweet, which helps make this beer a refreshing, everyday drink.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 16 – 22 |
| SRM | 3 – 5 |
| Original Gravity | 1.044 – 1.048 |
| Final Gravity | 1.006 – 1.012 |
| ABV | 4.7% – 5.4% |
A smooth, clean, pale German lager with a moderately strong malty flavor and a light hop character. Deftly balances strength and drinkability, with a palate impression and finish that encourages drinking. Showcases elegant German malt flavors without becoming too heavy or filling.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 18 – 25 |
| SRM | 4 – 6 |
| Original Gravity | 1.054 – 1.057 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.012 |
| ABV | 5.8% – 6.3% |
A relatively pale, strong, malty German lager with a nicely attenuated finish that enhances drinkability. The hop character is generally more apparent and the malt character less deeply rich than in other Bocks.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 23 – 35 |
| SRM | 6 – 9 |
| Original Gravity | 1.064 – 1.072 |
| Final Gravity | 1.011 – 1.018 |
| ABV | 6.3% – 7.4% |
5. Pale Bitter European Beer
A pale, highly-attenuated, light-bodied German lager with lower alcohol and calories than standard-strength beers. Moderately bitter with noticeable malt and hop flavors, the beer is still interesting to drink.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 15 – 28 |
| SRM | 1.5 – 4 |
| Original Gravity | 1.026 – 1.034 |
| Final Gravity | 1.006 – 1.010 |
| ABV | 2.4% – 3.6% |
A subtle, brilliantly clear, pale beer with a delicate balance of malt, fruit, and hop character, moderate bitterness, and a well-attenuated but soft finish. Freshness makes a huge difference with this beer, as the delicate character can fade quickly with age.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 18 – 30 |
| SRM | 3.5 – 5 |
| Original Gravity | 1.044 – 1.050 |
| Final Gravity | 1.007 – 1.011 |
| ABV | 4.4% – 5.2% |
A golden German lager balancing a smooth malty profile with a bitter, hoppy character in a slightly above-average body and strength beer.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 20 – 30 |
| SRM | 4 – 6 |
| Original Gravity | 1.050 – 1.058 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.015 |
| ABV | 5% – 6% |
A pale, dry, bitter German lager featuring a prominent hop aroma. Crisp, clean, and refreshing, showing a brilliant gold color with excellent head retention.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 22 – 40 |
| SRM | 2 – 4 |
| Original Gravity | 1.044 – 1.050 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.013 |
| ABV | 4.4% – 5.2% |
6. Amber Malty European Lager
An amber, malty German lager with a clean, rich, toasty, bready malt flavor, restrained bitterness, and a well-attenuated finish. The overall malt impression is soft, elegant, and complex, with a rich malty aftertaste that is never cloying or heavy.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 18 – 24 |
| SRM | 8 – 17 |
| Original Gravity | 1.054 – 1.060 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.014 |
| ABV | 5.6% – 6.3% |
A beechwood-smoked, malty, amber German lager. The expected Märzen profile of toasty-rich malt, restrained bitterness, clean fermentation, and a relatively dry finish is enhanced by a noticeable to intense smoke character.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 20 – 30 |
| SRM | 12 – 22 |
| Original Gravity | 1.050 – 1.057 |
| Final Gravity | 1.012 – 1.016 |
| ABV | 4.8% – 6% |
A strong, dark, malty German lager beer that emphasizes the malty-rich and somewhat toasty qualities of continental malts without being sweet in the finish.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 20 – 27 |
| SRM | 14 – 22 |
| Original Gravity | 1.064 – 1.072 |
| Final Gravity | 1.013 – 1.019 |
| ABV | 6.3% – 7.2% |
7. Amber Bitter European Beer
A moderate-strength continental amber lager with a soft, smooth maltiness and a balanced, moderate bitterness, yet finishing relatively dry. The malt flavor is clean, bready-rich, and somewhat toasty, with an elegant impression derived from quality base malts and process, not specialty malts or adjuncts.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 18 – 30 |
| SRM | 9 – 15 |
| Original Gravity | 1.048 – 1.055 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.014 |
| ABV | 4.7% – 5.5% |
A cold-conditioned, top-fermenting beer from Düsseldorf that has a cleaner and smoother palate than is typical for most ales. “Alt” refers to the “old” style of brewing (using top-fermenting yeast) that was common before bottom-fermenting lager brewing became popular.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 25 – 50 |
| SRM | 9 – 17 |
| Original Gravity | 1.044 – 1.052 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.014 |
| ABV | 4.3% – 5.5% |
8. Dark European Lager
A traditional malty brown lager from Bavaria. Deeply toasted, bready malt flavors without any roasty or burnt flavors. Smooth and rich, with a restrained bitterness and a relatively dry finish that allows for drinking in quantity.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 18 – 28 |
| SRM | 17 – 28 |
| Original Gravity | 1.048 – 1.056 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.016 |
| ABV | 4.5% – 5.6% |
A dark German lager that balances roasted yet smooth malt flavors with moderate hop bitterness. The lighter body, dryness, and lack of a harsh, burnt, or heavy aftertaste helps make this beer quite drinkable.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 20 – 35 |
| SRM | 19 – 30 |
| Original Gravity | 1.046 – 1.052 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.016 |
| ABV | 4.4% – 5.4% |
9. Strong European Beer
A strong, rich, and very malty German lager that can have both pale and dark variants. The darker versions have more richly-developed, deeper malt flavors, while the paler versions have slightly more hops and dryness.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 16 – 26 |
| SRM | 6 – 25 |
| Original Gravity | 1.072 – 1.112 |
| Final Gravity | 1.016 – 1.024 |
| ABV | 7% – 10% |
A strong, full-bodied, rich, and malty dark German lager often with a viscous quality and strong flavors. Even though flavors are concentrated, the alcohol should be smooth and warming, not burning.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 25 – 35 |
| SRM | 17 – 30 |
| Original Gravity | 1.078 – 1.120 |
| Final Gravity | 1.020 – 1.035 |
| ABV | 9% – 14% |
A strong, dark, malty German lager beer that emphasizes the malty-rich and somewhat toasty qualities of continental malts without being sweet in the finish.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 20 – 40 |
| SRM | 17 – 30 |
| Original Gravity | 1.060 – 1.090 |
| Final Gravity | 1.016 – 1.024 |
| ABV | 6.5% – 9.5% |
10. German Wheat Beer
A pale, refreshing, lightly-hopped German wheat beer with high carbonation, dry finish, fluffy mouthfeel, and a distinctive banana-and-clove weizen yeast fermentation profile.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 8 – 15 |
| SRM | 2 – 6 |
| Original Gravity | 1.044 – 1.053 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.014 |
| ABV | 4.3% – 5.6% |
A moderately dark German wheat beer with a distinctive banana-and-clove weizen yeast fermentation profile, supported by a toasted bread or caramel malt flavor. Highly carbonated and refreshing, with a creamy, fluffy texture and light finish.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 10 – 18 |
| SRM | 14 – 23 |
| Original Gravity | 1.044 – 1.057 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.014 |
| ABV | 4.3% – 5.6% |
A strong and malty German wheat beer combining the best wheat and yeast flavors of a Weissbier with the rich maltiness, strength, and body of a Bock. The style range includes Bock and Doppelbock strength, with variations for pale and dark color.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 15 – 30 |
| SRM | 6 – 25 |
| Original Gravity | 1.064 – 1.090 |
| Final Gravity | 1.015 – 1.022 |
| ABV | 6.5% – 9% |
11. British Bitter
Low gravity, alcohol, and carbonation make this an easy-drinking session beer. The malt profile can vary in flavor and intensity, but should never override the overall bitter impression. Drinkability is a critical component of the style.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 25 – 35 |
| SRM | 8 – 14 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.030 – 1.039 |
| Final Gravity | 1.007 – 1.011 |
| ABV | 3.2% – 3.8% |
A flavorful, yet refreshing, session beer. Some examples can be more malt balanced, but this should not override the overall bitter impression. Drinkability is a critical component of the style.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 25 – 40 |
| SRM | 8 – 16 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.040 – 1.048 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.012 |
| ABV | 3.8% – 4.6% |
An average-strength to moderately-strong British bitter ale. The balance may vary between fairly even between malt and hops to somewhat bitter. Drinkability is a critical component of the style. A rather broad style that allows for considerable interpretation by the brewer.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 30 – 50 |
| SRM | 8 – 18 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.048 – 1.060 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.016 |
| ABV | 4.6% – 6.2% |
12. Pale Commonwealth Beer
A hop-forward, average-strength to moderately-strong pale bitter. Drinkability and a refreshing quality are critical components of the style, as it was initially a summer seasonal beer.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 20 – 45 |
| SRM | 2 – 5 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.038 – 1.053 |
| Final Gravity | 1.006 – 1.012 |
| ABV | 3.8% – 5% |
A well-balanced, pale, highly-carbonated, and refreshing ale suitable for drinking in a hot climate. Fairly bitter, with a moderate herbal-spicy hop and pome fruit ester profile. Smooth, neutral malt flavors with a fuller body but a crisp, highly-attenuated finish.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 20 – 35 |
| SRM | 4 – 7 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.038 – 1.050 |
| Final Gravity | 1.004 – 1.006 |
| ABV | 4.5% – 6% |
A bitter, moderately-strong, very well-attenuated pale British ale with a dry finish and a hoppy aroma and flavor. Classic British ingredients provide the most authentic flavor profile.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 40 – 60 |
| SRM | 6 – 14 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.050 – 1.070 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.015 |
| ABV | 5% – 7.5% |
13. Brown British Beer
A dark, low-gravity, malt-focused British session ale readily suited to drinking in quantity. Refreshing, yet flavorful for its strength, with a wide range of dark malt or dark sugar expression.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 10 – 25 |
| SRM | 14 – 25 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.030 – 1.038 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.013 |
| ABV | 3% – 3.8% |
A malty, caramelly, brown British ale without the roasted flavors of a Porter. Balanced and flavorful, but usually a little stronger than most average UK beers.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 20 – 30 |
| SRM | 12 – 22 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.040 – 1.052 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.013 |
| ABV | 4.2% – 5.9% |
Simply called “Porter” in Britain, the name “English Porter” is used to differentiate it from other derivative porters described in these guidelines.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 18 – 35 |
| SRM | 20 – 30 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.040 – 1.052 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.014 |
| ABV | 4% – 5.4% |
14. Scottish Ale
A low-alcohol, malty beer with light caramel, toast, toffee, and fruit flavors. A slight roast dryness offsets the residual sweetness in the finish, with the bitterness perceived only to keep the beer from being cloying.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 10 – 20 |
| SRM | 17 – 25 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.030 – 1.035 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.013 |
| ABV | 2.5% – 3.3% |
A lower-alcohol, malty beer with light caramel, toast, toffee, and fruity flavors. A slight roast dryness offsets the residual sweetness in the finish, with the bitterness perceived only to keep the beer from being cloying.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 10 – 20 |
| SRM | 12 – 20 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.035 – 1.040 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.015 |
| ABV | 3.3% – 3.9% |
A moderate-strength, malty beer with light caramel, toast, toffee, and fruit flavors. A slight roast dryness offsets the residual sweetness in the finish, with the bitterness perceived only to keep the beer from being cloying.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 15 – 30 |
| SRM | 12 – 20 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.040 – 1.060 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.016 |
| ABV | 3.9% – 6% |
15. Irish Beer
An easy-drinking pint, often with subtle flavors. Slightly malty in the balance sometimes with an initial soft toffee or caramel sweetness, a slightly grainy-biscuity palate, and a touch of roasted dryness in the finish. Some versions can emphasize the caramel and sweetness more, while others will favor the grainy palate and roasted dryness.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 18 – 28 |
| SRM | 9 – 14 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.036 – 1.046 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.014 |
| ABV | 3.8% – 5% |
A black beer with a pronounced roasted flavor, often similar to coffee. The balance can range from fairly even to quite bitter, with the more balanced versions having a little malty sweetness and the bitter versions being quite dry. Draught versions typically are creamy from a nitro pour, but bottled versions will not have this dispense-derived character. The roasted flavor
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 25 – 45 |
| SRM | 25 – 40 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.036 – 1.044 |
| Final Gravity | 1.007 – 1.011 |
| ABV | 4% – 4.5% |
A fuller-bodied black beer with a pronounced roasted flavor, often similar to coffee and dark chocolate with some malty complexity. The balance can range from moderately bittersweet to bitter, with the more balanced versions having up to moderate malty richness and the bitter versions being quite dry.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 35 – 50 |
| SRM | 30 – 40 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.052 – 1.062 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.014 |
| ABV | 5% – 6.5% |
16. Dark British Beer
A very dark, sweet, full-bodied, slightly roasty stout that can suggest coffee-and-cream, or sweetened espresso.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 20 – 40 |
| SRM | 30 – 40 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.044 – 1.060 |
| Final Gravity | 1.012 – 1.024 |
| ABV | 4% – 6% |
A dark, roasty, full-bodied stout with enough sweetness to support the oat backbone. The sweetness, balance, and oatmeal impression can vary considerably.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 25 – 40 |
| SRM | 22 – 40 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.045 – 1.065 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.018 |
| ABV | 4.2% – 5.9% |
A very dark, sweet, fruity, moderately strong stout with smooth, roasty flavors, yet no burnt harshness.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 30 – 50 |
| SRM | 30 – 40 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.056 – 1.075 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.018 |
| ABV | 5.5% – 8% |
A very dark, rich, moderately strong, fairly dry stout with prominent roast flavors.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 50 – 70 |
| SRM | 30 – 40 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.056 – 1.075 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.018 |
| ABV | 6.3% – 8% |
17. Strong British Ale
An ale of respectable alcoholic strength, traditionally bottled-conditioned and cellared. Can have a wide range of interpretations, but most will have varying degrees of malty richness, late hops and bitterness, fruity esters, and alcohol warmth. The malt and adjunct flavors and intensity can vary widely, but any combination should result in an agreeable palate experience.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 30 – 60 |
| SRM | 8 – 22 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.055 – 1.080 |
| Final Gravity | 1.015 – 1.022 |
| ABV | 5.5% – 8% |
A stronger-than-average English ale, though usually not as strong or rich as an English Barley Wine, but usually malty. Warming. Shows positive maturation effects of a well-kept, aged beer.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 30 – 60 |
| SRM | 10 – 22 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.055 – 1.088 |
| Final Gravity | 1.015 – 1.022 |
| ABV | 5.5% – 9% |
Rich, sweet malt depth with caramel, toffee, and fruity flavors. Full-bodied and chewy, with warming alcohol. Restrained bitterness, but not cloying or syrupy.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 17 – 35 |
| SRM | 14 – 25 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.070 – 1.130 |
| Final Gravity | 1.018 – 1.040 |
| ABV | 6.5% – 10% |
A strong and richly malty ale with a pleasant fruity or hoppy depth. A wintertime sipper with a full, chewy body and warming alcohol.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 35 – 70 |
| SRM | 8 – 22 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.080 – 1.120 |
| Final Gravity | 1.018 – 1.030 |
| ABV | 8% – 12% |
18. Pale American Ale
Easy-drinking, approachable, malt-oriented American craft beer, often with interesting fruit, hop, or character malt notes. Well-balanced and clean, is a refreshing pint without aggressive flavors.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 15 – 28 |
| SRM | 3 – 6 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.038 – 1.054 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.013 |
| ABV | 3.8% – 5.5% |
An average-strength, hop-forward, pale American craft beer with sufficient supporting malt to make the beer balanced and drinkable. The clean hop presence can reflect classic or modern American or New World hop varieties with a wide range of characteristics.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 30 – 50 |
| SRM | 5 – 10 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.045 – 1.060 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.015 |
| ABV | 4.5% – 6.2% |
19. Amber and Brown American Beer
An amber, hoppy, moderate-strength American craft beer with a malty caramel flavor. The balance can vary quite a bit, with some versions being fairly malty and others being aggressively hoppy. Hoppy and bitter versions should not have clashing flavors with the caramel malt profile.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 25 – 40 |
| SRM | 10 – 17 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.045 – 1.060 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.015 |
| ABV | 4.5% – 6.2% |
A toasty and caramelly, fairly bitter, standard-strength beer with an interesting fruitiness and rustic, woody hop character. Smooth and well carbonated.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 30 – 45 |
| SRM | 9 – 14 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.048 – 1.054 |
| Final Gravity | 1.011 – 1.014 |
| ABV | 4.5% – 5.5% |
A malty but hoppy standard-strength American ale frequently with chocolate and caramel flavors. The hop flavor and aroma complement and enhance the malt rather than clashing with it.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 20 – 30 |
| SRM | 18 – 35 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.045 – 1.060 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.016 |
| ABV | 4.3% – 6.2% |
20. American Porter and Stout
A malty, bitter, and often somewhat hoppy dark beer with a balanced, roasted, and frequently chocolatey character.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 25 – 50 |
| SRM | 22 – 40 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.050 – 1.070 |
| Final Gravity | 1.012 – 1.018 |
| ABV | 4.8% – 6.5% |
A fairly strong, highly roasted, bitter, hoppy dark stout. The body and dark flavors typical of stouts with a more aggressive American hop character and bitterness.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 35 – 75 |
| SRM | 30 – 40 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.050 – 1.075 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.022 |
| ABV | 5% – 7% |
Traditionally an English style, but it is currently much more popular and widely available in America and internationally, where it is a craft beer favorite, not a historical curiosity.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 50 – 90 |
| SRM | 30 – 40 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.075 – 1.115 |
| Final Gravity | 1.018 – 1.030 |
| ABV | 8% – 12% |
21. IPA
A decidedly hoppy and bitter, moderately strong, pale American ale. The balance is hop-forward, with a clean fermentation profile, dryish finish, and clean, supporting malt allowing a creative range of hop character to shine through.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 40 – 70 |
| SRM | 6 – 14 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.056 – 1.070 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.014 |
| ABV | 5.5% – 7.5% |
Specialty IPA is a competition entry category, not a distinct style. Beers entered here are not experimental beers; they are a collection of currently-produced types of beer that may or may not have any market longevity. This category also allows for expansion, so potential future IPA variants (St. Patrick’s Day Green IPA, Romulan Blue IPA, Zima Clear IPA, etc.) have a place to be entered without rewriting the style guidelines. The only common element is that they have the balance and overall impression of an IPA (typically, an American IPA) but with some minor tweak.
Vital statistics vary by type, see individual styles.
Belgian IPA
A dry, hoppy IPA with fruitiness and spiciness of Belgian yeast. Often lighter in color and more attenuated, similar to a Belgian Tripel that has been brewed with more hops.
| IBU | 50 – 100 |
| SRM | 5 – 8 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.058 – 1.080 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.016 |
| ABV | 6.2% – 9.5% |
Black IPA
A beer with the dryness, hop-forward balance, and flavor characteristics of an American IPA, but darker in color. Darker malts add a gentle and supportive flavor, not a strongly roasted or burnt character.
| IBU | 50 – 90 |
| SRM | 25 – 40 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.050 – 1.085 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.018 |
| ABV | 5.5% – 9% |
Brown IPA
Hoppy, bitter, and moderately strong like an American IPA, but with dark caramel, chocolate, toffee, or dark fruit character as in an American Brown Ale. Retaining the dryish finish and lean body that makes IPAs so drinkable, a Brown IPA is a little more flavorful and malty than an American IPA without being sweet or heavy.
| IBU | 40 – 70 |
| SRM | 18 – 35 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.056 – 1.070 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.016 |
| ABV | 5.5% – 7.5% |
Red IPA
Hoppy, bitter, and moderately strong like an American IPA, but with some caramel, toffee, or fruit character as in an American Amber Ale. Retaining the dryish finish and lean body that makes IPAs so drinkable, a Red IPA is a little more flavorful and malty than an American IPA without being sweet or heavy.
| IBU | 40 – 70 |
| SRM | 11 – 17 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.056 – 1.070 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.016 |
| ABV | 5.5% – 7.5% |
Rye IPA
An American IPA with spicy, grainy rye malt. The rye gives a bready and peppery flavor, a creamier body, and a dry, grainy finish.
| IBU | 50 – 75 |
| SRM | 6 – 14 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.056 – 1.075 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.014 |
| ABV | 5.5% – 8% |
White IPA
A fruity, spicy, refreshing version of an American IPA, but with a lighter color, less body, and featuring the distinctive yeast or spice additions typical of a Witbier.
| IBU | 40 – 70 |
| SRM | 5 – 6 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.056 – 1.065 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.016 |
| ABV | 5.5% – 7% |
22. Strong American Ale
An intensely hoppy, fairly strong, bitter pale ale without the big, rich, complex maltiness, residual sweetness, and body of an American Barleywine. Strongly hopped, but clean, dry, and lacking harshness. Despite showing its strength, drinkability is an important consideration.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 60 – 100 |
| SRM | 6 – 14 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.065 – 1.085 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.018 |
| ABV | 7.5% – 10% |
A grouping of beers with similar balance and profile rather than a distinct style. A category for a variety of stronger, bitter-and-malty beers that aren’t quite Barleywines.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 50 – 100 |
| SRM | 7 – 18 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.062 – 1.090 |
| Final Gravity | 1.014 – 1.024 |
| ABV | 6.3% – 10% |
A very strong, malty, hoppy, bitter American ale with a rich palate, full mouthfeel, and warming aftertaste, suitable for contemplative sipping.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 50 – 100 |
| SRM | 9 – 18 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.080 – 1.120 |
| Final Gravity | 1.016 – 1.030 |
| ABV | 8% – 12% |
A richly textured, high alcohol sipping beer with a significant grainy, bready flavor, and a sleek body. The emphasis is first on the bready, wheaty flavors with malt, hops, fruity yeast, and alcohol complexity.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 30 – 60 |
| SRM | 6 – 14 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.080 – 1.120 |
| Final Gravity | 1.016 – 1.030 |
| ABV | 8% – 12% |
23. European Sour Ale
A very pale, refreshing, low-alcohol German wheat beer with a clean lactic sourness and a very high carbonation level. A light bread dough malt flavor supports the sourness, which shouldn’t seem artificial. A gentle fruitiness is found in the best examples.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 3 – 8 |
| SRM | 2 – 3 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.028 – 1.032 |
| Final Gravity | 1.003 – 1.006 |
| ABV | 2.8% – 3.8% |
A sour and fruity oak-aged reddish-brown Belgian-style ale with supportive toasty malt flavors and fruit complexity. The dry, tannic finish supports the suggestion of a vintage red wine.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 10 – 25 |
| SRM | 10 – 17 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.048 – 1.057 |
| Final Gravity | 1.002 – 1.012 |
| ABV | 4.6% – 6.5% |
A malty, fruity, aged, somewhat sour Belgian-style brown ale with a caramel-chocolate malt flavor, and often substantial alcohol.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 20 – 25 |
| SRM | 17 – 22 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.040 – 1.074 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.012 |
| ABV | 4% – 8% |
A fairly sour, often moderately funky, wild Belgian wheat beer with sourness taking the place of hop bitterness in the balance. Traditionally served uncarbonated as a café drink.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 0 – 10 |
| SRM | 3 – 6 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.040 – 1.054 |
| Final Gravity | 1.001 – 1.010 |
| ABV | 5% – 6.5% |
A very refreshing, highly carbonated, pleasantly sour but balanced wild Belgian wheat beer. The wild beer character can be complex and varied, combining sour, funky, and fruity flavors.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 0 – 10 |
| SRM | 5 – 6 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.040 – 1.054 |
| Final Gravity | 1.000 – 1.006 |
| ABV | 5% – 8% |
A complex, refreshing, pleasantly sour Belgian wheat beer blending a complementary fermented fruit character with a sour, funky Gueuze.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 0 – 10 |
| SRM | 3 – 7 (varies w/ fruit) |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.040 – 1.060 |
| Final Gravity | 1.000 – 1.010 |
| ABV | 5% – 7% |
A tart, lightly-bittered historical central European wheat beer with a distinctive but restrained salt and coriander character. Very refreshing, with a dry finish, high carbonation, and bright flavors.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 5 – 12 |
| SRM | 3 – 4 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.036 – 1.056 |
| Final Gravity | 1.006 – 1.010 |
| ABV | 4.2% – 4.8% |
24. Belgian Ale
A pale, hazy Belgian wheat beer with spices accentuating the yeast character. A delicate, lightly spiced, moderate-strength ale that is a refreshing summer drink with its high carbonation, dry finish, and light hopping.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 8 – 20 |
| SRM | 2 – 4 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.044 – 1.052 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.012 |
| ABV | 4.5% – 5.5% |
A top-fermented, all malt, average strength Belgian ale that is moderately bitter, not dry-hopped, and without strong flavors. The copper-colored beer lacks the aggressive yeast character or sourness of many Belgian beers, but has a well-balanced, malty, fruity, and often bready and toasty profile.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 20 – 30 |
| SRM | 8 – 14 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.048 – 1.054 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.014 |
| ABV | 4.8% – 5.5% |
Three main variations are included in the style: the blond (blonde), the brown (brune), and the most traditional amber (ambrée).
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 18 – 28 |
| SRM | 6 – 19 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.060 – 1.080 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.016 |
| ABV | 6% – 8.5% |
25. Strong Belgian Ale
A golden, moderately-strong Belgian ale with a pleasantly subtle citrusy-spicy yeast complexity, smooth malty palate, and dry, soft finish.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 15 – 30 |
| SRM | 4 – 6 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.062 – 1.075 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.018 |
| ABV | 6% – 7.5% |
A family of refreshing, highly attenuated, hoppy, and fairly bitter Belgian ales with a very dry finish and high carbonation. Characterized by a fruity, spicy, sometimes phenolic fermentation profile, and the use of cereal grains and sometimes spices for complexity. Several variations in strength and color exist.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 20 – 35 |
| SRM | 5 – 14 (pale) 15 – 22 (dark) |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.048 – 1.065 (standard) |
| Final Gravity | 1.002 – 1.008 (standard) |
| ABV | 3.5 – 5.0% (table) 5.0 – 7.0% (standard) 7.0 – 9.5% (super) |
A very pale, highly attenuated, strong Belgian ale that is more fruity and hoppy than spicy. Complex and delicate, the dry finish, light body, and high carbonation accentuate the yeast and hop character. Sparkling carbonation and effervescent, forming a rocky white head.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 22 – 35 |
| SRM | 3 – 6 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.070 – 1.095 |
| Final Gravity | 1.005 – 1.016 |
| ABV | 7.5% – 10.5% |
A richly textured, high alcohol sipping beer with a significant grainy, bready flavor, and a sleek body. The emphasis is first on the bready, wheaty flavors with malt, hops, fruity yeast, and alcohol complexity.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 30 – 60 |
| SRM | 6 – 14 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.080 – 1.120 |
| Final Gravity | 1.016 – 1.030 |
| ABV | 8% – 12% |
26. Monastic Ale
A blond, bitter, hoppy table beer that is very dry and highly carbonated. The aggressive fruity-spicy Belgian yeast character and high bitterness is forward in the balance, with a soft, supportive grainy-sweet malt palate, and a spicy-floral hop profile.
| Vital Stats | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 25 – 45 |
| SRM | 3 – 5 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.044 – 1.054 |
| Final Gravity | 1.004 – 1.010 |
| ABV | 4.8% – 6% |
A deep reddish-copper, moderately strong, malty, complex Belgian ale with rich malty flavors, dark or dried fruit esters, and light alcohol blended together in a malty presentation that still finishes fairly dry.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 15 – 25 |
| SRM | 10 – 17 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.062 – 1.075 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.018 |
| ABV | 6% – 7.6% |
A strong, pale, somewhat spicy Belgian ale with a pleasant rounded malt flavor, firm bitterness, and dry finish. Quite aromatic, with spicy, fruity, and light alcohol notes combining with the supportive clean malt character to produce a surprisingly drinkable beverage considering the high alcohol content.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 20 – 40 |
| SRM | 4.5 – 7 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.075 – 1.085 |
| Final Gravity | 1.008 – 1.014 |
| ABV | 7.5% – 9.5% |
A dark, complex, very strong Belgian ale with a delicious blend of malt richness, dark fruit flavors, and spicy notes. Complex, rich, smooth, and dangerous.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 20 – 35 |
| SRM | 12 – 22 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.075 – 1.110 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.024 |
| ABV | 8% – 12% |
27. Historical Beer
The original Kellerbier is a Märzen-type lager from the Franconia region of Germany, but other traditional versions are based on Munich Helles and Dunkel lagers. Variations based on Pils are a more modern invention with a wider international following and higher production.
Vital statistics same as base style.
A clean, dry, refreshing, slightly malty dark beer with high carbonation. Mild-tasting, with light toast and caramel flavors, served very fresh as a sessionable saloon beer.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 15 – 30 |
| SRM | 11 – 20 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.044 – 1.055 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.018 |
| ABV | 4% – 5.5% |
A sour, smoked, lower-gravity historical central European wheat beer. Complex yet refreshing character due to high attenuation and carbonation, along with low bitterness and moderate sourness.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 5 – 12 |
| SRM | 3 – 6 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.032 – 1.040 |
| Final Gravity | 1.004 – 1.008 |
| ABV | 3.5% – 4.7% |
A luscious, sweet, malty, low-alcohol dark brown ale, with caramel and toffee malt complexity and a sweet-tasting finish.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 15 – 20 |
| SRM | 22 – 35 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.033 – 1.038 |
| Final Gravity | 1.012 – 1.015 |
| ABV | 2.8% – 3.6% |
A low-gravity, bitter, oak-smoked historical central European wheat beer with a clean fermentation profile and no sourness. Highly carbonated, dry, crisp, and refreshing.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 20 – 35 |
| SRM | 3 – 6 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.028 – 1.032 |
| Final Gravity | 1.006 – 1.012 |
| ABV | 2.5% – 3.3% |
A bitter and hoppy pale American adjunct lager, often with a robust, corny flavor profile, although more crisp and neutral-tasting versions exist.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 25 – 40 |
| SRM | 3 – 6 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.044 – 1.060 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.015 |
| ABV | 4.5% – 6% |
A historical American adaptation of English Porter by German immigrants using American ingredients, including adjuncts.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 20 – 30 |
| SRM | 20 – 30 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.046 – 1.060 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.016 |
| ABV | 4.5% – 6% |
A Dunkles Weissbier made with rye rather than wheat, but with a greater body and light finishing hops. The rye gives a bready and peppery flavor, a creamy body, and a dry, grainy finish that blends with the distinctive banana-and-clove weizen yeast character.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 10 – 20 |
| SRM | 14 – 19 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.046 – 1.056 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.014 |
| ABV | 4.5% – 6% |
A sweet, heavy, strong traditional Finnish farmhouse beer usually with rye and juniper, and a banana-clove yeast character.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 0 – 15 |
| SRM | 4 – 22 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.076 – 1.120 |
| Final Gravity | 1.016 – 1.038 |
| ABV | 7% – 11% |
28. American Wild Ale
Intended for beer with or without oak aging that has been fermented with Sacch and Brett, or with Brett only.
Variable by base style.
Intended for beer fermented with any combination of Sacch, Lacto, Pedio, and Brett (or additional yeast or bacteria), with or without oak aging (except if the beer fits instead in 28A or 28D).
Variable by base style.
Intended for variations of a Base Style beer from style 28A, 28B, or 28D. These variations may include the addition of one or more Specialty-Type Ingredients; aging in non-traditional wood varieties that impart a significant and identifiable wood character (e.g., Spanish Cedar, Amburana); or aging in barrels previously containing another alcohol (e.g., spirits, wine, cider).
Variable by base style.
29. Fruit Beer
A pleasant integration of fruit with beer, but still recognizable as beer. The fruit character should be evident but in balance with the beer, not so forward as to suggest an artificial product.
OG, FG, IBUs, SRM and ABV will vary depending on the underlying base beer, but the fruit will often be reflected in the color.
Use the definitions of Fruit in the preamble to Category 29 and Spice in the preamble to Category 30; any combination of ingredients valid in Styles 29A and 30A are allowable in this category. For this style, the word ‘spice’ means ‘any SHV’.
OG, FG, IBUs, SRM and ABV will vary depending on the underlying base beer, but the fruit will often be reflected in the color.
A Specialty Fruit Beer is a Fruit Beer with some additional ingredients, such as fermentable sugars (e.g., honey, brown sugar, invert sugar), sweeteners (e.g., lactose), adjuncts, alternative grains, or other special ingredients added, or some additional process applied. A Specialty Fruit Beer can use any style within the Fruit Beer category as a base style (currently, 29A, 29B, or 29D).
OG, FG, IBUs, SRM and ABV will vary depending on the underlying base beer, but the fruit will often be reflected in the color.
30. Spiced Beer
Often called Spice Beer, regardless of whether spices, herbs, or vegetables are used.
OG, FG, IBUs, SRM and ABV will vary depending on the underlying base beer, but the fruit will often be reflected in the color.
Autumn Seasonal Beers are beers that suggest cool weather and the autumn harvest season, and may include pumpkins, gourds, or other squashes, and associated spices.
OG, FG, IBUs, SRM and ABV will vary depending on the underlying base beer, but the fruit will often be reflected in the color.
Winter Seasonal Beers are beers that suggest cold weather and the Christmas holiday season, and may include holiday spices, specialty sugars, and other products that are reminiscent of the festive season.
OG, FG, IBUs, SRM and ABV will vary depending on the underlying base beer, but the fruit will often be reflected in the color.
31. Alternative Fermentables Beer
An Alternative Grain Beer is a standard beer (Classic Style or not) with additional or non-standard brewing grains (e.g., rye, oats, buckwheat, spelt, millet, sorghum, rice) added or used exclusively. Gluten-free (GF) beers made from completely gluten-free ingredients may be entered here, while GF beers using process-based gluten removal should be entered in their respective base style categories.
Variable by base style.
An Alternative Sugar Beer is a standard beer (Classic Style or not) with added sweeteners, including fermentable sugars (e.g., honey, brown sugar, invert sugar, molasses, treacle, maple syrup, sorghum), unfermentable sugars (e.g., lactose), sugar alcohols (e.g., sorbitol), and any other sweetener (natural or artificial) that affects the flavor profile. The beers may or may not have any residual sweetness; it depends on the type of sugar, but flavor contributions are expected.
Variable by base style.
32. Smoked Beer
Intended for smoked versions of Classic Style beers, except if the Classic Style beer has smoke as an inherent part of its definition (of course, that beer should be entered in its base style, such as Rauchbier).
Varies with the base beer style.
A Specialty Smoked Beer is either a smoked beer based on something other than a Classic Style (a Specialty-Type style, or a broad style family such as Porter rather than a specific style), OR any type of smoked beer with additional specialty ingredients (fruits, vegetables, spices) or processes employed that transform the beer into something more unique.
Varies with the base beer style.
33. Wood Beer
This style is intended for beer aged in wood without added alcohol character from previous use of the barrel. Bourbon-barrel or other beers with an added alcohol character should be entered as 33B Specialty Wood-Aged Beer.
Variable by base style.
This style is intended for beer aged in wood with added alcohol character from previous use of the barrel. Bourbon-barrel or other similar beers should be entered here.
Variable by base style.
34. Specialty Beer
This style is intended for reproductions or interpretations of specific commercial beers that don’t fit within defined styles. Beers entered here do not need to be exact copies. The beer should be judged as to how well it fits the broader style represented by the example beer, not how well it is an exact copy of a specific commercial product. If a Commercial Specialty Beer fits another defined style, do not enter it here.
OG, FG, IBUs, SRM, and ABV will vary depending on the declared beer.
This style is intended for beers in Existing Styles (previously-defined Classic Style beers or Specialty-Type Beers) that are either:
- A combination of Existing Styles that are not defined previously in the guidelines, including combination of Specialty-Type Beers not otherwise allowable elsewhere.
- A variation of an Existing Style using a non-traditional method or process (e.g., dry-hopping, ‘eis’-ing, stein bier) for that style.
- A variation of an Existing Style using a non-traditional ingredient (e.g., yeast with a non-traditional profile, hops with a different character than described in the Base Style).
- Out-of-spec variations of an Existing Style (e.g., ‘imperial’ versions, ‘session’ versions, overly-sweet versions, etc.).
This style is intended for beers that can’t be entered in previously-listed styles first, including (and especially) the declared Base Style of beer. However, if the unusual method, process, or ingredient results in a beer that now fits within another defined style, the beer should be entered there. Note that some styles already allow for different strengths (e.g., IPAs, Saisons), so those variations should be entered as the appropriate Base Style.
Bear in mind that a poorly-made, faulted beer should not be used to define a new style. Drinkability should always be maintained, while allowing for creative new concepts.
OG, FG, IBUs, SRM, and ABV will vary depending on the declared beer.
This is explicitly a catch-all category for any beer that does not fit into an Existing Style description. No beer is ever “out of style” in this style, unless it can be entered in another beer style first. This is the last resort for any beer entered into a competition. With the broad definition for previous styles, this style should be rarely used.
OG, FG, IBUs, SRM, and ABV will vary depending on the declared beer.
35 - New England IPA
An American IPA with intense fruit flavors and aromas, a soft body, and smooth mouthfeel, and often opaque with substantial haze. Less perceived bitterness than traditional IPAs but always massively hop forward. This emphasis on late hopping, especially dry hopping, with hops with tropical fruit qualities lends the specific ‘juicy’ character for which this style is known.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 25 – 60 |
| SRM | 3 – 7 |
| Original Gravity | 1.060 – 1.085 |
| Final Gravity | 1.010 – 1.015 |
| ABV | 6% – 9% |
36 - Catharina Sour
A refreshing fruited sour wheat beer with a vibrant fruit character and a clean lactic acidity. The restrained alcohol, light body, elevated carbonation, and lack of perceived bitterness allows the fresh fruit to be highlighted. The fruit is often, but not always, tropical in nature.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | 2 – 8 |
| SRM | 2 – 6 |
| Oiginal Gravity | 1.039 – 1.048 |
| Final Gravity | 1.004 – 1.012 |
| ABV | 4.0% – 5.5% |
37 - No to Low-Alcohol Beer
No to Low Alcohol Beer is any beer (lager, ale or other) produced in a manner that the final product contains between 0.0% to 0.5% ABV. To allow for accurate judging the brewer should identify the classic beer style being elaborated upon. Beer entries not accompanied by this information will be at a disadvantage during judging. The goal should be to reach a balance between the style’s character and the low alcohol content. Drinkability is a character in the overall balance of these beers. Beers in this category must not exceed 0.5%ABV.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | Variable by base style |
| SRM | Variable by base style |
| Oiginal Gravity | Variable by base style |
| Final Gravity | Variable by base style |
| ABV | 0.0% – 0.5% |
38 - Low-Alcohol Beer
A Low-Alcohol Beer is any beer (lager, ale or other) produced in a manner that the final product contains between 0.6% to 2.5% ABV. To allow for accurate judging the brewer should identify the classic beer style being elaborated upon. Beer entries not accompanied by this information will be at a disadvantage during judging. The goal should be to reach a balance between the style’s character and the low alcohol content. Drinkability is a character in the overall balance of these beers. Beers in this category must not exceed 2.5%ABV.
| Vital Stat | Guideline |
|---|---|
| IBU | Variable by base style |
| SRM | Variable by base style |
| Oiginal Gravity | Variable by base style |
| Final Gravity | Variable by base style |
| ABV | 0.6% – 2.5% |