Style Guidelines

The Draught Board Defines Three New Styles

by Ken Koupal

The Draught Board Homebrew Club is pioneering style guidelines by defining three new homebrew serving categories. Used in conjunction with AHA style guidelines, the Club is promoting its own practical style guidelines. The first of the new categories, Picnic Style, will be introduced at the July meeting on July 12th.

1.0 Picnic Style

Broad style to be served with all types of picnic food. Either the beer must be so diverse and exceptional that it goes well with all entrees and desserts, or else multiple beer types must be served throughout the picnic day. Most homebrewers opt for the multiple beer method. This category is also known as "Open," "Summer," or "Party" style and is characterized by its wide variety. Typical examples include results of the May Group Brew-In, wheat beers, light lagers, pale ales, fruit experiments, and anything on hand.

2.0 Barbecue Style

Similar to Picnic Style, but designed specifically for the grilled subject. Subcategories include:

2.1 Country - Must complement ribs or chicken in BBQ sauce, and corn-on-the-cob.

2.2 Western - Best served with a thick, sizzling steak and ranch beans.

2.3 American - Goes well with hamburgers, hot dogs, and sausages. Kabobs have recently been included to round out this subcategory.

2.4 Beach - Seafood is king for this style. Salmon and shrimp must be enhanced by serving beer of this style. Note: grilled trout is included in this style, which is occasionally referred to as the "Mountain" or "Camping" subcategory.

2.5 Open Spit - Beer served to mask the taste of other unspecified grilled objects.

3.0 Holiday Style

Similar to Picnic Style, but designed specifically for traditional seasonal holiday meals and annual holiday parties. Holiday beers are characterized by their higher alcohol content and/or darker color, and are prized for their ability to promote holiday spirits. They must complement hams, fowl (turkey, goose, duck), and desserts. This category encompasses the "Alts," "-ators," "Dunkels," "Fests" (Oktober-, Winter-, and Spring-), and "Meads."

Always on the cutting edge of style, the Club encourages members to brew-to-style for these social events, whether they be a picnic, BBQ, or holiday party. So when the announcement says "Picnic Style," you’ll know exactly what to bring.