commercial beer suggestions by style.

I've not really had the opportunity to try too many interesting styles out there. I'm really curious to start branching out, but i also don't wanna just try some ****ty version that will make me go "meh." what are some of the tops for these styles commercially so i can look out for them?

1. ESB
2. cream ale
3. dunkel
4. dunkelweizen
5. kolsch
6. helles
7. flanders red ale
8. scotch ale
9. saison
10. weissbier

thanks for your help!

 

The BJCP style guidelines include commercial examples for each style. http://www.bjcp.org/2008styles/catdex.php Check the bottom section of each individual style for the commercial examples.

 

There are commercial examples at the end of each section of the bjcp style guide. They are usually all good choices. With alot of the styles it depends on where you live and getting fresh examples. Not a dusty bottle thats sat on the shelf for 2 years.

1. Bishops finger, fullers esb, old speckled hen, spitfire, youngs ram rod. Theres alot of variation.

2. Genesee and 3 kings. Not that genesee is good mind you, but you can get it in a 24 oz can at the corner store.

3. ayinger altbierish dunkel, Weltenburger barock dunkel

4+10. ayinger's, Weihenstephaner's, and schnider's versions are all good.

5. Reissdorf is the only classic example I find consistently .

6. Spaten premium, Weihenstephaner Original, Weltenburger hell,

7. Im not a fan of these.

8. Bellhaven wee heavy, McEwans.

9. Saison dupont, fantome primtemps.

 

Jolly Pumpkin's La Roja and Rodenbach are both good example of Flanders Red.

 

The complete beer course is a great book to read that breaks down each style and gives commercial examples.

 

Oskar Blues- Old Chub (Scotch Ale)

 

http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/01/essential-beer-styles-bucket-list-must-try-ale-lager.html

This article covers most of your categories you are looking for.

 

Take a look at Beer Advocate, Rate Beer and Untappd for much larger listings.

 

Thanks guys!

 

8. *****De Glazen Toren Saison D'Erp-Mere******, Saison Dupont, Fantome Printemps

 

I just Boulevard's Tank 7 for the first time this past weekend. I don't know how it compares to others in the style, as it was my first saison, but I really enjoyed it. It made me want to try more saisons.

 

My #1 favorite Saison, followed closely by Dupont.