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Introduction to Beer for Ladies
Even with craft beer in every bar and restaurant these days, not everyone has caught on to the phenomenon. Whether it’s due to a lack of exposure or misconceptions about craft beer, there are several reasons why many women are only now discovering the beverage.
There are numerous hurdles that brewers and pub owners face in reaching female audiences, and the culture surrounding craft beer hasn’t exactly done itself any favors. Overly abrasive branding and niche beer styles have left some drinkers on the outside looking in. However, that has been changing over the past few years, as craft breweries have adopted approachable and drinkable styles that complement their other offerings.
So if you’re new to craft beer and need a few pointers for where to start, we’ve put together a guide to ease you into this beautiful culture. Here are the best beer styles for women:
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What Makes a Beer Light, Flavorful, and Refreshing?
Like taking a dip into colder water, the best place to start is by easing yourself into beer. The most ubiquitous beer styles tend to be fizzy mass-produced lagers, often found at ballparks and dive bars. While these have their merits, this is probably not going to create the best impression of the beverage. Instead, there are flavorful and well-made lagers and other styles that won’t bludgeon you over the head with flavor or alcohol.
Flavor over bitterness
Low IBU (International Bitterness Units) options are ideal for beginners, as the flavor profile won’t be as abrasive. Bitterness comes from certain malts and hops, especially in West Coast IPAs and English-style beers like Bitters or ESBs.
Common IBU ranges and beer styles:
| IBU Range | Beer Styles |
|---|---|
| 5–10 IBU | American light lagers |
| 10–15 IBU | Wheat beers, golden ales |
| 10–20 IBU | European lagers |
| 20–45 IBU | Pilsners, Belgian ales, other common beer styles |
| 45+ IBU | Pale ales, English-style bitters, barleywines, IPAs |
Lower alcohol, lighter body
This might be self-explanatory, but beer novices would do well to avoid high-ABV (alcohol by volume) beers like imperial stouts or double IPAs. For starters, those unaccustomed to drinking these beers might overindulge too quickly. These can also be challenging to particular palates and too filling, so erring on the side of caution is best. Those beers aren’t going anywhere, so you can slowly work your way up to those stronger beers. Aiming for an ABV of 4% to 5% is a good place to start.
Crisp finishes and clean profiles
For the most approachable drinking experience, crisp and clean is the best way to go. Lagers, kolsches, and golden ales are all crisp and refreshing while still packing a nice punch of flavor.
Beer Styles Women Tend to Enjoy
| Style | Examples | Flavor Profile | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheat Beers | Hefeweizen, Belgian Witbier | Fruity (banana, citrus), clove, low bitterness | Beginners, summer sipping |
| Fruit-Infused Beers | Mango IPA, Peach Sour, Citrus Lager | Sweet or tart fruit notes, refreshing | Those who like fruity drinks |
| Sours & Goses | Lambic, Gose, Berliner Weisse | Tart, acidic, sometimes salty | Hot weather, seafood pairing |
| Blonde & Cream Ales | Belgian Blonde, Cream Ale | Light malt sweetness, smooth finish | Easy drinking |
| Light Lagers & Pilsners | German Pilsner, Czech Pils | Crisp, clean, mild hop bite | Any occasion |
| Wild Ales | American Wild Ale, Lambic | Funky, tart, wine-like | Wine lovers |
8 Refreshing Beers That Women Should Try!
Allagash White
- Belgian-Style Witbier | 5.2% ABV
- This Maine classic helped introduce American drinkers to the joys of Belgian-style wheat beers, and it’s still a staple nearly three decades later. Brewed with coriander and Curaçao orange peel, it’s crisp, zesty, and endlessly refreshing.
- You can expect gentle citrus aromas backed by a soft wheat body that finishes clean. There’s enough spice to keep things interesting, but it’s the balance that’s made Allagash White a craft beer icon.
Ballast Point Mango Sculpin IPA
- Fruit IPA | 7.0% ABV
- Ballast Point’s flagship Sculpin IPA was already a benchmark for West Coast hopheads, but adding mango takes it to a whole new tropical level.
- Bright, juicy mango sweetness plays beautifully with the beer’s piney bitterness, creating a flavor that’s equal parts beach vacation and hop-forward bite. It’s a bit boozy compared to your average fruity IPA, but that just adds to its bold charm.
Dogfish Head SeaQuench Ale
- Sour/Gose | 4.9% ABV
- SeaQuench Ale is a unique hybrid of kölsch, gose, and Berliner Weisse styles, built to quench thirst on hot summer days.
- Its tart citrus profile is complemented by a light, salty snap that keeps you coming back for another sip. This is one of those rare beers that wins over both craft geeks and casual drinkers.
New Glarus Spotted Cow
- Cream Ale | 4.8% ABV
- Only available in Wisconsin, but famous nationwide thanks to its cult-like following. This cream ale pours hazy gold with a soft, almost creamy mouthfeel and a gentle fruitiness.
- Its balanced malt character and easy-drinking nature make it a staple at tailgates, backyard cookouts, and road trips for those willing to cross state lines just to bring back a case.
Firestone Walker Pivo Pils
- German Pilsner | 5.3% ABV
- A West Coast take on the German pilsner, Pivo Pils delivers crisp refreshment with a distinct floral hop aroma. Multiple gold medals in beer competitions back up its reputation.
- Expect a clean, snappy finish with lemony bitterness and a subtle biscuit malt base. It’s proof that a well-made lager can be just as complex as any hop-bomb IPA.
21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon
- Fruit Beer | 4.9% ABV
- Brewed with fresh watermelon, this seasonal favorite from San Francisco’s 21st Amendment Brewery is as close to summer in a can as it gets.
- Light and crisp, it offers just enough watermelon aroma and sweetness to complement its wheaty backbone without tipping into cloying territory. Perfect for poolside sipping or a picnic at the park.
Dogfish Head Festina Peche
- Berliner Weisse (Fruit) | 4.5% ABV
- A peach-infused Berliner Weisse that walks the line between tart and fruity with finesse. The peach is fresh and juicy, cutting through the gentle sourness for a perfectly balanced finish.
- Festina Peche is as refreshing as it is flavorful, making it an easy choice for hot weather or as an introduction to sour beer for those who might be hesitant.
Firestone Walker Cali Squeeze Passionfruit
- Fruit Beer | 5.2% ABV
- A bright and juicy passionfruit wheat beer from Firestone Walker’s Cali Squeeze series, this brew offers tropical fruit flavors balanced by a crisp finish.
- Part of a rotating lineup, the Cali Squeeze series also features other fresh fruit flavors, giving fans plenty of options to explore.
How to Explore and Discover Your Perfect Beer
Even with handy guides like this, it’s not always easy to know what you’ll like and what you want. Even worse, some of these beer menus are encyclopedic in length and hard to decipher. Here are a few ways to cut through the clutter:
Try Beer Flights at Breweries
One of the best ways to sample beers, whether you’re a newbie or veteran craft beer aficionado, is by ordering a flight at a brewery taproom. These generally consist of four or five options, served in small tasting glasses, that provide a summary of what the brewery offers. There will usually be a lighter option along with an IPA and even an imperial stout. You might even be able to pick your own!
Ask Bartenders or Friends for Recommendations
Never hesitate to ask for guidance from the bartender at a brewery taproom! While some barkeeps can have a surly attitude, most are quite friendly and highly knowledgeable. They’ll probably ask you about what you usually like to drink and can guide you towards something similar or even push you in unexpected directions. They’ll even offer to pour a sample, which is by far the best way of going about finding something to drink.
Use Beer Discovery Apps (Like Untappd or Tavour)
Ratebeer, Untappd, Tavour, and Beer Advocate are all handy resources for discovering beers you enjoy. If you see something on a menu that looks intriguing, a quick Google search can yield reviews, pictures, and descriptions to guide your decision. Just remember, online reviews or ratings are all arbitrary, and tastes are subjective.
Keep Notes on What You Like (and Why)
With so many options at your fingertips, it can be hard to keep track of what you like and don’t like. You can use one of the craft beer apps or even just your phone to keep track of beers you enjoy. And as you become more familiar with each style and brewery, you’ll have an easier time picking out what you want to sip on!
Conclusion: Beer Is for Everyone
Craft beer culture can feel like an old boys’ club at times, but that’s changing rapidly as more groups are welcomed into taprooms and beer bars. This makes for plenty of newcomers to the scene, and luckily, brewery staff are generally welcoming and happy to educate.
No matter the reason you’re coming around to beer, there are thousands of delicious and approachable options. While you might be tempted to dive into hoppy IPAs or stouts, trying a few easy-drinking beers is the best way to start. Craft brewers are coming around on lagers and highly drinkable styles that will appeal to women, so you won’t be short of options! Just keep an open mind and you’ll discover your new favorite beer in no time.
