America is in the midst of a beer renaissance. No longer happy with watery, flavorless Big Brand brews, American beer drinkers are turning to craft beer in droves, and brewers have responded in kind with a wave of amazing recipes new and old.

In many ways, the biggest obstacle to getting started with craft beer is that we’re spoiled for choice. With so many breweries and types of beer now widely available, figuring out where to start can be intimidating, even before you factor in beer geek factors like the correct serving glasses and yeast strains.

If you’re used to drinking Bud Light, jumping right to a strong IPA probably isn’t the way to go. Instead, we recommend trying a Czech pilsener, a Belgian witbier, or an American cream ale – all of which have distinct flavors and qualities but are simple enough for beginners to gauge their preferences.

Once you’ve gotten a taste for craft beer, the next step is to start

experimenting and broadening your palate. Since there’s so many craft beers to choose from, we’ve

decided to make things simple and list some of the winners of the

2016 Best of Craft Beer Awards for suggestions on where to go next.

Citra/Red is made by Populuxe Brewing in Seattle, and recently took home the gold for Best American Amber Ale at the Best of Craft Beer Awards. This beer is 100% Citra hops and Red-X malt, for a crisp, citrusy, nutty flavor.

Portland, OR is home to many great breweries, and BreaksideBrewing may be the best of them. Of special note is their BreaksideIPA, which recently won the gold for Best American IPA. It’s robust as an IPA should be, with notes of citrus and evergreen.

For beer drinkers who prefer something darker, we highly recommend Minneapolis-based Insight Brewing’s Devil’s Companion, a London-style brown porter with plenty of malty flavor and distinct touches of coffee and dark chocolate.

Oatmeal stout is one of the richest, smoothest varieties of beer on the market, and definitely worth a try if you like your beer heavy and hearty. If you’re looking for the best, try to get your hands on Firestone Walker Brewing Company’s Velvet Merlin, a creamy beer with plenty of espresso, cocoa, and chocolate flavors.

William Henry is the creator of jewelry fine personality statements for the

modern man, including designer pocket knives, cufflinks, money clips, and more.

View our entire selection at www.williamhenry.com.

http://bestofcraftbeerawards.com/best-of-craft-beer-awards-winners/

http://www.populuxebrewing.com/#beer

http://www.breakside.com/beer/breakside-ipa2/

http://www.insightbrewing.com/beers/#devils-companion

http://www.firestonebeer.com/beers/products/velvet-merlin-fall-and-winter