2011 BA Beer Style Guidelines

The Brewers Association (BA) recently released its 2011 Beer Style Guidelines. Updated annually, the guidelines currently describe 140 styles of beer and are used in prestigious beer competitions, like the Great American Beer Festival® and the World Beer Cup®. For 2011, several beer style descriptions have been significantly updated:

• American-Belgo Style Ales
• Belgian-Style Flanders Oud Bruin/Oud Red
• German Bock
• Rye Beer
• American-Style Sour Ale

Additionally, one beer style has been added, and another has been renamed. 

• American-Style Brett Ale is now a recognized ale style. 
• American-Style Black Ale is the new name for American-Style India Black Ale, and it too has updated style guidelines.

“These guidelines help to illustrate the growth of craft brewers in the United States and also offer insight and a foundation for helping appreciate the hundreds of beer types brewed for the beer lover,” said Charlie Papazian, president of the Brewers Association.

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