Let’s be honest: hunting for a specific bottle of limited-edition craft beer in December can be a nightmare. Stocks run low, shipments get delayed, and sometimes you just want a good drink without the hassle.
This year, forget the brand names. Instead, we are celebrating the 12 Styles of Craft Beer.
Day 1: The Crisp Starter (Lager or Pilsner)
- The Style: The cleanest, crispest beer on the menu.
- Why it fits December: Malaysia is still 32°C in December. You need a "lawnmower beer" to cool down before you start the heavy drinking.
- Flavor Profile: Bready, grassy, clean, and dry.
- Malaysian Context: The perfect upgrade from commercial beers. Drink this while waiting for your friends to arrive through the jam.
Day 2: The Crowd Pleaser (Golden Ale)
- The Style: A step up from Lager, but still light and easy.
- Why it fits: It’s the "Gold" in the festive season.
- Flavor Profile: slightly sweet malt (like biscuit), low bitterness, very refreshing.
- Perfect For: That one friend who says, "I don't like craft beer, it's too bitter." Hand them this.
Day 3: The Festive Color (Amber or Red Ale)
- The Style: Beers brewed with caramelized malts that give a reddish hue.
- Why it fits: It matches the Christmas decorations.
- Flavor Profile: Caramel, toffee, and toasted bread. It’s comforting without being heavy.
- Perfect For: Pairing with roast chicken or burgers.
Day 4: The Christmas Tree (West Coast IPA)
- The Style: The classic, bitter IPA that started the craft revolution.
- Why it fits: The hops used in these beers often smell like Pine and Resin. It literally smells like a Christmas tree in a glass.
- Flavor Profile: Grapefruit, pine needles, bitter finish.
- Perfect For: Cutting through greasy food like Siew Yoke or cheesy wedges.
Day 5: The "Fruit Punch" (Hazy IPA / NEIPA)
- The Style: Cloudy, yellow, and juicy. Low bitterness.
- Why it fits: It’s a party drink. It tastes like tropical fruit juice (mango, pineapple) but packs a punch.
- Flavor Profile: Smooth, creamy mouthfeel, zero "bite," massive fruit aroma.
- Perfect For: Sip this slowly; the alcohol hides behind the fruitiness!
Day 6: The Palate Cleanser (Fruited Sour)
- The Style: Tart, acidic beer often brewed with real fruit berries or passionfruit.
- Why it fits: After days of heavy holiday feasting, you need something acidic to wake up your tongue.
- Flavor Profile: Like a liquid lemon tart or berry jam.
- Malaysian Context: If you love Asam Boi or lime juice, this is your style.
Day 7: The "Wine" Replacement (Saison)
- The Style: A Belgian farmhouse ale. High carbonation, dry, and peppery.
- Why it fits: It’s classy enough to serve in a wine glass at a dinner party.
- Flavor Profile: Spicy (clove/pepper), floral, and bone-dry.
- Perfect For: Our humidity. It is arguably the most refreshing style for the tropics.
Day 8: The Spice Rack (Belgian Witbier)
- The Style: Wheat beer brewed with coriander and orange peel.
- Why it fits: The spices scream "Holiday Season" without being overpowering.
- Flavor Profile: Creamy, citrusy, and slightly spicy.
- Perfect For: Brunch or early evening drinking.
Day 9: The Winter Warmer (Porter)
- The Style: Dark but not too heavy.
- Why it fits: It’s getting darker earlier; you want something roasted.
- Flavor Profile: Coffee, chocolate, and toast. Lighter body than a stout.
- Perfect For: People who want dark beer flavors but don't want to feel full after one pint.
Day 10: The Dessert (Stout)
- The Style: Stout brewed with lactose (milk sugar) or additives like vanilla/cacao.
- Why it fits: Who needs fruitcake when you can drink liquid chocolate?
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, thick, creamy, and decadent.
- Perfect For: The end of the night. It’s dessert in a glass.
Day 11: The Celebration (Belgian Tripel)
- The Style: Golden, strong (8-9% ABV), and dangerous.
- Why it fits: It’s complex and boozy—a true celebration beer.
- Flavor Profile: Spicy yeast notes, fruit esters (banana/pear), and a warming alcohol finish.
- Perfect For: Sipping slowly. Do not chug a Tripel unless you want to wake up with a regretful headache.
Day 12: The Grand Finale (Imperial Stout)
- The Style: The king of beers. High alcohol (10%+), pitch black, often barrel-aged.
- Why it fits: This is the drink for Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve.
- Flavor Profile: Espresso, dark chocolate, dried fruits (raisins/figs), and sometimes bourbon.
- Perfect For: Sharing. Open one bottle and split it with a friend to cap off the year.
How to Use This Guide
Next time you walk into a bar, don't panic if you don't recognize the labels. Just tell the bartender: "I'm looking for a Style Number 5 (Hazy IPA) today," or "Give me your best Style Number 10 (Stout)."
They will know exactly what to pour you.