IPA, Stouts, and Sours: Which New York Craft Beer Is Right for You?

Stepping into the world of craft beer can feel overwhelming with so many styles, flavors, and options. Whether you’re new to craft beer or looking to branch out from your go-to drink, understanding the different beer styles is the first step toward discovering your perfect pour.

New York State is home to an incredible variety of craft beers, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and tangy sours. Here’s your beginner-friendly guide to exploring these styles and finding the beer that suits your taste buds.

The Hoppy Favorite: IPA (India Pale Ale)

What It Tastes Like:
IPAs are all about the hops, which bring bold, often citrusy, floral, or piney flavors. They tend to be bitter, but the level of bitterness varies by the style of IPA.

Who Will Love It:

• Fans of bold and intense flavors.
• Those who enjoy the zing of grapefruit or the aroma of fresh pine.
• Beer enthusiasts looking for a punchy, vibrant experience.

New York IPA to Try:

• Frozen Oranges by Heritage Hill: Double Dry Hopped with a massive amount of Citra Cryo, Mosaic & Hydra hops.
• Mister Zero by Willow Rock: Exploding with Citra Cryo and Apollo hops, this one balances dank and citrus with a  unique malt from Ireland grown specifically for IPAs.

The Dark and Decadent: Stout

What It Tastes Like:
Stouts are known for their dark, rich flavors that can include coffee, chocolate, caramel, and roasted malt. They often have a creamy, smooth texture.

Who Will Love It:

• Coffee or dark chocolate lovers.
• Those who prefer something robust and satisfying.
• Beer drinkers who enjoy sipping slowly and savoring every flavor.

New York Stout to Try:

• Brunch: Oatmeal Stout by Willow Rock: We’re checking all the boxes of a balanced breakfast beer: Oatmeal, NY Maple Syrup, Recess Coffee from Syracuse NY.
• Mallaird Reaction by Equilibrium Brewery: Aromas of chocolate rum raisin banana milkshake, freshly baked brown sugar cookies, and caramel mudslides.

The Funky and Fruity: Sour

What It Tastes Like:
Sours are tart, tangy, and refreshing, often with fruity or funky undertones. Some sours have a lip-puckering sharpness, while others offer a balanced sweet-and-sour profile.

Who Will Love It:

• Fans of lemonade, kombucha, or tangy flavors.
• Those seeking something light, refreshing, and unique.
• Adventurous drinkers eager to try something off the beaten path.

New York Sour to Try:

• Belgian Raspberry Sour by Brewey Ardennes: With aromas and flavors of ripe berries, this refreshing ale finishes with a balance of fruity sweetness and a delightful sour pop.
• Surf Guitar by Liquid State Brewing: A traditional Leipziger-style beer brewed with mineral sea salt and coriander. Tart and refreshing with a sparkling lemon zing.

Finding Your Perfect Style

Not sure where to start? Here are a few tips:

• Consider Your Favorites: If you love coffee, try a stout. If you can’t get enough of lemonade, sours are your friend. IPA lovers often enjoy bold, zesty flavors.
• Experiment with Variety: The beauty of craft beer lies in its diversity. Start with a beer flight or mix-and-match a six-pack to sample different styles.
• Ask the Experts: Many New York breweries offer tastings or have knowledgeable staff who can guide your choices based on what you already enjoy.

Explore New York Craft Beer with Drink NY Craft

At Drink NY Craft, we partner with local, small-batch breweries across the state to bring you a wide selection of IPAs, stouts, sours, and more—all delivered straight to your door. Whether you’re looking to stock up on your favorites or try something new, we make it easy to explore the best craft beer New York has to offer.

Plus, with our subscription boxes and curated selections, you can sample a variety of styles without leaving your home. Every beer we deliver comes directly from the brewery, ensuring it’s as fresh as possible and packed with flavor.

Ready to Find Your Favorite Brew?

Whether you’re a hop head, a stout sipper, or a sour seeker, there’s a New York craft beer waiting for you. Take your taste buds on a journey and discover your perfect pint with Drink NY Craft.