2017 Beer Styles Bingo

Photo by Ashton Smith

Owen Ogletree gathered a group of 15 craft beer enthusiasts and beer judges on April 29, 2017 for another round of Beer Styles Bingo. Each taster was given a list of ten beer styles with short descriptions from the Beer Judge Certification Program (see below). Beers were presented one at a time in blind fashion and in random order, and participants tried to match each beer to its appropriate BJCP style. It seems easy but turns out to be quite challenging when comparing ten different beers...

ALLAGASH SAISON

Belgian-Style Saison

90% identified this style correctly.

Most commonly, a pale, refreshing, dry, moderately-bitter, moderate-strength Belgian ale. Well carbonated, and using some wheat and optional spices to complement the yeast character that is fruity, spicy, and not overly phenolic (plastic, clove, band-aid like).

SIERRA NEVADA SIDECAR ORANGE PALE ALE

Fruit Beer - American Pale Ale with orange peel

80% identified this style correctly.

An average-strength, hop-forward, citrusy pale ale with light fruity character and citrusy, piney American hops and additions of light orange peel. More session-able than American IPAs.

WESTMALLE DUBBEL

Belgian Dubbel

70% identified this style correctly.

A deep reddish-copper, moderately strong, malty, complex Trappist ale with rich malty flavors, dark or dried fruit esters, and light alcohol blended together in a malty presentation that still finishes fairly dry.

REFORMATION JUDE

Belgian-Style Tripel

70% identified this style correctly.

A pale, deep golden, somewhat spicy, dry, strong Trappist ale with a pleasant rounded malt flavor and firm bitterness. Quite aromatic, with spicy, fruity, and light alcohol notes.

FOOTHILLS PEOPLE'S PORTER

English-Style Porter

90% identified this style correctly.

A moderate-strength, dark brown beer with a restrained roasty character and bitterness. May have a range of roasted flavors, generally without burnt qualities, and often has a chocolate-caramel-malty profile. Lacks the citrusy, piney American hops of an American Porter.

OMAHA NADA BANANA

Weissbier (Hefeweizen)

90% identified this style correctly.

A pale, refreshing German-style wheat beer with high carbonation, moderately dry finish, fluffy mouthfeel and a distinct banana/clove (sometimes bubblegum) yeast character.

SOUTHERN BARREL HELLES LAGER

Munich-Style Helles

100% identified this style correctly.

A clean, malty, light golden German lager with a smooth, grain-sweet, malty, honey-like flavor and a soft, dry finish. Restrained spicy, floral or herbal hops keep the balance malty but not overly sweet.

HI-WIRE BED OF NAILS BROWN

American Brown Ale

60% identified this style correctly.

A malty but hoppy beer frequently with mild chocolate and caramel flavors. The hop flavor and aroma complements and enhances the malt rather than clashing with it. Should be medium brown in color - not black or opaque.

ELYSIAN SPLIT SHOT STOUT

Sweet Stout with coffee

100% identified this style correctly.

VOTED AS THE MOST IMPRESSIVE, FLAVORFUL BEER OF THE SESSION!

A very dark, sweet, full-bodied, slightly roasty ale that can suggest coffee-and-cream, or sweetened espresso. This example has additions of coffee.

THREE TAVERNS A NIGHT ON PONCE

American IPA

80% identified this style correctly.

A hoppy and bitter, moderately strong American pale ale, showcasing modern American or New World hop varieties with citrus and pine notes. The balance is hop-forward, with a crisp, clean fermentation profile, dryish finish and supporting, deep golden malt backbone. More alcohol and body than a pale ale.