Welcome to the delicious world of craft beer! Whether you’re new to the scene or just looking to refine your palate, we’re here to help you explore and enjoy all that craft beer has to offer. At Pigeon Hill, we believe that beer is more than just a beverage—it’s an experience. In fact, we’d say the most important step for a beginner looking to enjoy craft beer is simple – try a few things, find what you like, and enjoy it! There’s no need to be fancy about it… of course, if you want to be a little fancier, we’re here to help!
In this guide, we’ll break down some basic beer styles, walk you through how to taste beer properly, and give you a glimpse of what you can expect when you visit The Brewer’s Lounge at Pigeon Hill.
The world of craft beer can feel overwhelming at first, with so many different styles and flavors to choose from. Here’s a quick rundown of some common beer styles to get you started:
IPAs are known for their bold hop flavors and aromas, often featuring notes of citrus, pine, or tropical fruit. They range from light to medium-bodied, with a bitter finish that hop lovers crave. At Pigeon Hill, we have some great options that include Shifting Sands IPA – a classic American IPA with notes of pine and a nice hoppy backbone; No Diggnity – a juicy IPA that is less better, focusing more on citrus characteristics; and Philosoraptor – a West Coast style IPA that has nice notes of citrus with a drier finish.
Stouts are dark, rich beers, typically with flavors of chocolate, coffee, and roasted malt. They are perfect for those who enjoy fuller-bodied brews. A standout here at Pigeon Hill is our beloved LMFAO Stout, an oatmeal stout that we also serve on nitro. It’s smooth, creamy, and perfect for cooler days and nights.
Brown ales offer a nice balance between malt sweetness and hop bitterness, often featuring flavors of caramel, toffee, or even roasted nuts. They’re medium-bodied, making them approachable for new craft beer drinkers. Our O.C.P. / Oatmeal Creme Pie puts a spin on your traditional brown ale with the addition of top-secret ingredients that allow it to taste just like an oatmeal creme pie cookie. Not too sweet, but just sweet enough to make this one a nice easy drinker.
If you’re looking for something crisp, light, and refreshing, a lager or pilsner might be for you. This style features a delicate balance of malt sweetness and mild bitterness. Our Lake State Lager, a 4.5% American lager brewed without adjuncts (no corn or rice), is perfect for those hot summer days or when you’re in the mood for something easy-drinking yet flavorful.
Porters are similar to stouts but tend to be slightly lighter and less bitter. They usually feature rich, roasted malt flavors with notes of chocolate, coffee, and sometimes a touch of smoke. The two porters that you can find on tap at the Brewer’s Lounge now put their own unique spin on this traditional style. S.C.P. / Salted Caramel Porter includes the addition of sea salt and caramel that combine with the chocolate notes from the malt to create a perfectly balanced drinker that reminds us of our favorite candies. Journeyman Porter, a limited release, has a more classic porter backbone, with nice roasty notes – it is then aged on oak staves that are soaked in Journeyman whiskey, providing notes of oak and whiskey for added complexity.
Amber ales are malt-forward beers with a balance of sweetness and light bitterness. They often have caramel, toffee, or even biscuit-like flavors. Amber Ale, our new fall/winter seasonal, is our take on an amber ale, offering a smooth, drinkable beer with a balanced finish that pairs well with just about any meal.
Wheat beers are brewed with a high proportion of wheat, giving them a light, hazy appearance and a soft, refreshing taste. Many wheat beers feature hints of citrus or spice. If you’re in the mood for something summery, try Beach, Please (only available in the summer months), a truly classic American wheat ale with a light, refreshing flavor and pleasant mouthfeel – it’s perfect for a sunny afternoon.
Of course, this is only a small glimpse into the many of styles of beer that are brewed by craft brewers throughout the world! When you visit a brewery, be sure to take note of the different styles they list – and never be afraid to ask questions about a style that you haven’t tried before.
Now that you’re familiar with a few beer styles, let’s talk about how to properly taste and enjoy your beer. Whether you’re trying a new beer for the first time or savoring an old favorite, these steps will help you appreciate the flavors and aromas that make craft beer so special.
Take a moment to observe the color, clarity, and foam (known as the head) of the beer. These visual cues can tell you a lot about what to expect in terms of flavor. Darker beers like stouts and porters tend to have richer, roasted flavors, while lighter beers like pilsners are typically more crisp and refreshing.
Bring the glass to your nose and take a deep inhale. Much of what we perceive as “taste” comes from our sense of smell, so this is an important step. Try to identify any dominant aromas—are they fruity, spicy, or malty? With IPAs, you might notice citrus or pine, while stouts often smell like coffee or chocolate.
Take a small sip and let the beer roll across your palate. Notice the balance between sweetness, bitterness, and any other flavors. Don’t be afraid to take a few sips to get a full sense of the beer—sometimes, flavors evolve as you drink.
Finally, savor the finish. Does the flavor linger on your palate, or does it cleanly disappear? The finish of a beer can range from dry and crisp to rich and lingering. Enjoying the full flavor profile of a beer helps you appreciate its complexity.
If you’re local to Muskegon or planning a visit, stopping by The Brewer’s Lounge at Pigeon Hill is a must for any beer enthusiast! The atmosphere is welcoming and laid-back, making it the perfect spot for both seasoned craft beer lovers and those just starting their journey.
Here’s what you can expect during your visit:
•Rotating Taps: At The Brewer’s Lounge, we have a rotating selection of our flagship and seasonal beers on tap, so there’s always something new to try. Whether you’re in the mood for a crisp pilsner or a rich stout, you’ll find the perfect pint to match your taste.
•Flights for Sampling: Not sure where to start? Order a flight of beers! This is the best way to sample a variety of our brews in smaller portions, giving you a well-rounded taste of what Pigeon Hill has to offer.
•Knowledgeable Staff: Our staff is always happy to recommend beers based on your preferences. Whether you’re completely new to craft beer or looking for your next favorite, they’ll guide you through the options and make sure you find something you’ll love.
•Special Events and Releases: Keep an eye on our calendar for special events like tap takeovers, live music, and limited beer releases. We love to celebrate our community and share our latest creations with beer fans!
