National Drink Beer Day is around the corner! And what better excuse to gather with friends and appreciate one of the world’s oldest and most diverse beverages (if you need a reason, that is). Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or just beginning to explore, this annual celebration is all about finding a style that matches your taste.
One of the best things about today’s Salem brewery scene is the incredible variety on tap. From crisp lagers to bold stouts, fruity sours to hop forward IPAs, there’s a beer for every palate. At Border Brew Supply, the rotating selection offers the chance to enjoy favorites while maybe trying something new.
Here, we’re taking a look at a few top categories of beer to help you decide!
IPA: The Craft Beer Favorite
India Pale Ale, better known as the IPA, remains one of the most recognizable styles in craft brewing. Known for its hop character, IPAs can range from citrusy and tropical to piney and resinous. Some offer a clean bitterness while others lean into juicy fruit flavors with very little bite.
If you’re someone who enjoys bold flavors and aromatic beers, an IPA is often the perfect place to start. Thanks to the wide variety of brewing techniques available today, no two IPAs are exactly alike.
Lager: Crisp, Clean, and Always Refreshing
Lagers have experienced a major resurgence in recent years as craft breweries continue to refine traditional brewing methods. While many people associate lagers with mass produced beer, modern craft lagers deliver incredible flavor while remaining exceptionally smooth and easy to drink.
Whether you’re relaxing after work or enjoying a backyard cookout, a well made lager offers crisp refreshment that appeals to nearly every beer drinker.
Pilsners: Light Doesn’t Mean Boring
Pilsners are one of the world’s most popular beer styles for good reason. Bright, refreshing, and slightly floral with balanced hop bitterness, they’re an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates clean flavors.
A quality pilsner showcases the brewer’s skill because there is nowhere to hide imperfections. The result is a beautifully balanced beer that’s enjoyable anytime, anywhere.
Wheat Brews: Smooth and Easy Drinking
Wheat beers often feature notes of citrus, banana, clove, or subtle spice depending on the brewing style. Their lighter body and refreshing finish make them especially popular during warmer months.
If someone says they don’t usually drink beer, introducing them to a wheat beer often changes their mind. If you’re in the Salem, NH, area, be sure to stop by Border Brewery and check out the Dank Wheat IPA.
With an ABV of 9%, this imperial-strength beer drinks like a fortified New England IPA, melding the flavors of sweet pear with the tangy bitterness of grapefruit and lemon. Slight notes of coriander, bread, and banana tie together the full body that completes this pleasant IPA.
Amber and Red Ales: Rich Flavor Without Heavy Bitterness
For drinkers looking for something balanced, amber and red ales provide toasted malt character with hints of caramel while avoiding overwhelming sweetness. These beers pair exceptionally well with burgers, barbecue, pizza, and hearty comfort food.
They’re an excellent middle ground between lighter lagers and more intense dark beers.
Stouts and Porters: Bold, Smooth, and Surprisingly Complex
Dark beers aren’t just for winter anymore. Modern stouts and porters can feature flavors ranging from peanut butter, chocolate, and coffee to roasted nuts and vanilla. Despite their dark appearance, many stouts have a remarkably smooth finish that surprises first time drinkers.
If you’ve never ventured into darker beers, National Drink Beer Day is the perfect opportunity to try one (we promise).
Sours: Did Someone Say Adventurous?
If you’re looking to shake up your usual beer order, a sour might be just what you need. Known for their bright, tart flavor, sour beers get their signature tang through special fermentation methods that create a refreshing, slightly puckering finish. Many also feature fruit flavors like raspberry, peach, cherry, or citrus, making them surprisingly approachable
Discover Something on National Drink Beer Day | Salem’s Favorite Brewery – Border Brewery & Barbecue
One of the biggest joys of craft beer is exploration. Every visit to your favorite Salem Brewery offers the chance to sample a different brewery, experiment with new styles, or finally try that beer you’ve been curious about.
Border Brew Supply makes it easy to discover new favorites with a constantly changing selection of craft beers that represents a wide range of brewing styles. Whether your preference leans toward crisp lagers, hop-forward IPAs, rich stouts, refreshing wheat beers, or adventurous sours, there’s always another great pour waiting to be discovered.
This National Drink Beer Day, skip the ordinary and celebrate by expanding your beer horizons. You may arrive looking for your favorite style, but you just might leave with a brand new one. Please note that the brewery is closed on Monday, but we look forward to celebrating with everyone over the weekend!
