Ad Categories: Dining & Drinking

Sometimes overlooked as a middle- of-the-road style, this refreshing, mostly sweet ale can be a great thirst quencher.

From the hefeweizen to the American wheat pale ale, this style offers a ton of variety. Creamy or juicy, bitter or sweet, savory or fruity—the options are endless.

The winter drinker, distinguished by a blanket of dark malts. Often only seasonally available.

Sweet yet spicy—this style is the origin of the beer geek’s obsession.

Recipes for ambers tend to be straight- forward, meaning that there’s not much for a brewer to hide behind.

This class of medium-bodied beers has notes of caramel, chocolate, and toffee.

If regular IPA isn’t hoppy enough, try one of these super-strong high ABV beers. Some are massively bitter; others are surprisingly sweet.

Best enjoyed in the fall, porters strike the perfect balance between bitter and comforting.

How many of Chicago magazine’s 62 recommended local beers have you tasted? Use this checklist to count, then share your results on Twitter.