Peterson Spirits & Fine Wines carries over 280 different beer varieties! Our Gartner location has two walk-in beer coolers as well as a complete section of specialized microbrews located outside of the coolers. Our Route 59 location also has an extensive collection of cold beer in addition to over 30 microbrews available outside the cooler doors. Plenty of craft beers to choose from for the beer aficionado!
Take a peek at our complete listing of Ales and Lagers.
American Amber/Red Ale
This style was first brewed in England and exported to India during the late 1700s. The brew had to withstand the major journey overseas and over mountains so English Pale Ales were loaded with hops, which act as natural preservatives. The lighter pale ales showcase a bold, bitter, hop flavor, which can range from floral to herbaceous while still leaning towards a malt presence.
For examples of this style try-
- Bell’s Amber Ale
- Stone Levitation Ale
English India Pale Ale
This style was first brewed in England and exported to India during the late 1700s. The brew had to withstand the major journey overseas and over mountains so English Pale Ales were loaded with hops, which act as natural preservatives. The lighter pale ales showcase a bold, bitter, hop flavor, which can range from floral to herbaceous while still leaning towards a malt presence.
For examples of this style try-
- Goose Island Indian Pale Ale
- Great Lakes Commodore Perry
American Pale Ale
This style is descended from the British classic. With the use of local ingredients, American companies duplicate the highly hopped predecessor with their own twist. Typically, character will vary from region to region, though most Americans tend more towards a cleaner balance between their hops and malt.
For examples of this style try-
- Sierra Nevada Indian Pale Ale
- Three Floyds Pride and Joy
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
This style draws many comparisons to the slightly less alcoholic “Belgian Dark Ale” in regard to their spicy, slight fruited palate. While they are slightly more fortified, the malt delivers a delightful complexity with a darker character. Just be careful, these beers can creep up on you.
For examples of this style try-
- Unibroue Maudite
- Chimay Grand Reserve
Belgian Wheat/“Witbier”
This style is marked by a cloudy appearance that comes from the wheat used as the malt source. Typically, the beer is left unfiltered to maintain its character. The beer is usually seasoned with a variety of spices, which usually include citrus zest and coriander but have no limit. We dare you to try some of these incredible spiced concoctions!
For examples of this style try-
- Blue Moon Belgian Wheat
- New Belgium Mothership Wit
American Adjunct Lager
This style is typically generalized by a light bodied, pale lager. Usually most of these brews have some assistance from a larger American company like Anhuesher-Busch or Miller. You will find a more malt centered, moderate alcohol product that may incorporate additional grains like corn or rice (seldom seen as a primary malt source).
For examples of this style try-
- Pacifico
- Landshark Lager
American Light Lager
The Light Lager is generally a lighter version of a premium lager and has some good points and some pitfalls. On one hand, a light lager will have less caloric and carbohydrate content. On the other hand, when decreasing those qualities the flavor is also majorly diminished. Almost all hop character dissipates and leans mostly on a malt flavor. Still, these beers tend to be very easy drinking and popular for social events.
For examples of this style try-
- Old Style Light
- LSamuel Adams Light
American Amber/Red Lager
This style is a broad spectrum that encompasses lagers that showcase bolder malts. Deeper in color, the balance of this beer is usually tipped in favor of the malt which lends a sweeter palate with a lingering finish with the absence of a crisp hop presence.
For examples of this style try-
- Killian’s Irish Red
- Dundee Honey Brown
German Pilsner
This style originated in the small German-speaking province of Pilsen. Typically these beers show a little more hop backbone and are a light straw color. Usually a denser beer, the flavor profile offers spicy herbal and floral flavor.
For examples of this style try-
- Carlsberg
- Radeberger
Vienna Lager
This style is named after the city that originated the brewing process to produce these beers. The beers are individualized by firm malt, subtle but present hops, and a crisp finish. Although the style originates in Europe, it migrated to Mexico in the 19th century and is now used to produce some of the countries most popular brews.
For examples of this style try-
- Dos Equis
- Negra Modelo
