Brewing for an event

I've been asked to brew 4 batches of beer for a family event this June and I am trying to get my recipes picked out.

I'm thinking of the following (from a style perspective)

1. Pale Ale - something not too out-going
2. IPA - something a little more flavorful
3. Porter - something a little dark
4. Rye Ale - non-negotiable (Mom loves her some Rye beer)

Essentially the one, two and three slots are up for grabs, these are the ones that make sense to me to try and suit everyone.

Are there any other styles I should consider to appeal to the widest assortment of people (I don't know what everyone's beer appreciation level is).

An English Biter or a Brown ale? I haven't ever brewed a wheat beer but I still have time to make a test brew before I have to commit.

Just looking for any thoughts and suggestions from other people who may have done the same thing.

Thanks!!

 

I've found that wheat beers appeal to the masses... enthusiasts enjoy and BMC drinkers can tolerate it too. I use a wheat recipe with 1272 and Saaz hops that I typically use when I know it's going to be at a party with a spectrum of beer drinkers.

 

Maybe a Patersbier? I find its a very easy to like beer.

 

I've found a wheat to go over well with the BMC crowd. I also got rave reviews from Biermuncher's Centennial Blonde and Cream of 3 Crops. I personally preferred the blonde - it's a good lawnmower beer that the BMC crowd will like, but has some good flavor for the rest of us.

 

I was going to say a cream ale. And a pale ale that uses noble hops & maybe fermented with WL029 kolsh yeast. It's sweet spot is 65-69F,so it's in range of most home brewers & gives lager-like qualities of balance.

 

how about a Wit?
Lots of folks like Blue Moon

 

The Pale Ale will be a hit. I suggest bittering with Warrior and finishing-off with an ounce of Columbus or Cascade (at the 10-min mark).

 

I was thinking "C" hops might be a touch much for the average beer drinker. So I suggested the noble hops & that particular kolsh yeast to give something a bit more familiar. Hard to say how many like grapefruit flavors. We do but them,well?

 

American wheat beers go over good with almost everybody. I do 60/40 2 row/wheat, citrusy hops, micro plane a couple oranges, and some us-05. Quick and easy, 2 week ferment, ready to carb and enjoy young.

 

I've gotten good reviews on almost every style, but the "milder" ales seems to appeal to the most folks, something like a cream or blonde ale, especially for the summer months