Beer Styles 101: Finding Your Perfect Match
Understanding beer styles helps you find better matches on BeerMates. Learn about IPAs, lagers, stouts, and more to connect with the right beer lovers.
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Bart ZalewskiRelated reading
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Your First Pint: Getting Started with BeerMates
New to BeerMates? This step-by-step guide will help you create your profile, find your first match, and meet up for your first beer in minutes.
Why Beer Styles Matter
BeerMates matches you based on shared beer preferences. When you and your match both love the same styles, you're more likely to enjoy exploring breweries together. This guide breaks down the most popular styles so you can make informed choices in your profile.
The Major Beer Styles
India Pale Ale (IPA)
Taste: Hoppy, bitter, often citrusy or piney
Alcohol: 5-7% ABV
Best for: Hop heads who love bold, assertive flavors. Great conversation starter about different hop varieties.
Lager
Taste: Crisp, clean, refreshing
Alcohol: 4-5% ABV
Best for: Those who prefer easy-drinking, approachable beers. Perfect for summer meetups or long sessions.
Stout
Taste: Dark, roasted, coffee and chocolate notes
Alcohol: 5-8% ABV
Best for: Fans of rich, complex flavors. Great for cozy winter meetups.
Wheat Beer
Taste: Light, fruity, sometimes spiced
Alcohol: 4-5% ABV
Best for: People who enjoy softer, less bitter beers with banana and clove flavors.
Sour Beer
Taste: Tart, funky, fruit-forward
Alcohol: 3-7% ABV
Best for: Adventurous drinkers who like unique, polarizing flavors. Sour lovers tend to be passionate about their style!
Pale Ale
Taste: Balanced, malty with moderate hops
Alcohol: 4-6% ABV
Best for: Those who want something in the middle - not too hoppy, not too malty.
How to Use This Knowledge
When setting up your BeerMates profile, select the styles that genuinely excite you. Our matching algorithm prioritizes users with overlapping preferences, so honesty leads to better connections.
- Pick 3-5 styles you truly enjoy, not just what's popular
- Update your preferences as you try new beers and discover new favorites
- Use styles as conversation starters - ask your match about their favorite brewery for a certain style
- Be open to trying your match's recommendations - you might discover a new favorite!
Exploring Together
The best part of BeerMates isn't just matching on beer styles - it's the shared experience of trying new brews together. Whether you're both IPA enthusiasts sampling the latest hazy release or stout lovers warming up with a rich porter, shared tastes create instant common ground.
Now that you know the styles, go update your profile and find your next beer buddy!