Altbier, Cream Ale, Midcoast IPA, and Belgian Pale Ale are different styles of beer, each with its own characteristics in terms of flavor, aroma, and brewing traditions. Here’s a brief overview of each:

5-Hole Rye IPA 7.2%

A rye IPA (India Pale Ale) is a beer that combines the hop-forward characteristics of an IPA with the unique addition of rye malt. Rye IPAs have a rich amber to deep copper color, often with a slight haze due to the presence of hops and malt proteins. The aroma of a rye IPA is characterized by a robust hop presence, offering floral, citrus, pine, and sometimes spicy notes. The addition of rye malt contributes a distinctive spiciness to the aroma, complementing the hop profile. The malt sweetness may also be perceptible, providing a balancing background to the hops. The taste of a rye IPA is a harmonious blend of hop bitterness, hop flavor, and the spicy character imparted by the rye malt.

Altbier: Prost! Altbier 5.6%

• Origin: Germany, specifically associated with the Düsseldorf region.
• Style: Altbier is a traditional German ale that undergoes a cold fermentation and conditioning process. The name “Altbier” translates to “old beer,” referring to the older style of brewing before the popularity of lagers.
• Characteristics: It typically has a balanced flavor profile with a moderate hop bitterness, maltiness, and a clean, crisp finish. The color can range from amber to dark brown.

Cream Ale: Catbird Seat Cream Ale 4.8

• Origin: United States, with roots in the 19th century.
• Style: Cream Ale is a light and highly carbonated beer that is brewed with ale yeast but fermented at cooler temperatures, similar to a lager. This gives it a clean and crisp profile.
• Characteristics: Cream Ales are known for their smooth, light, and mild flavor. They often have a slightly sweet malt character with a low hop bitterness. The name “cream” can be misleading, as it doesn’t contain dairy; it refers to the smooth texture.

Midcoast IPA:

• “Midcoast IPA” is a regional style of an India Pale Ale (IPA).
• IPAs are known for their hop-forward flavors, with a focus on aromas and bitterness. While it’s tough to define a Midwestern-style IPA as being just one thing, most examples falling along that range exhibit a balanced malt character with some depth and complexity and are hopped at similar rates as West Coast IPAs using primarily American hops for flavor and aroma.
• Characteristics: Expect a prominent hop aroma and taste, often with floral, citrus, or piney notes. The color can range from pale gold to amber. There are various substyles of IPA, such as West Coast IPA, New England IPA, and Double IPA, each with its own characteristics.

Belgian Pale Ale: Scheldt Belgian Pale Ale 5.8%

• Origin: Belgium.
• Style: Belgian Pale Ale is a style that combines the Belgian brewing tradition with a lighter, more approachable ale. It often features Belgian yeast strains that contribute unique fruity and spicy flavors.
• Characteristics: These ales are known for their balance between malt sweetness and hop bitterness. The Belgian yeast imparts a fruity and sometimes peppery character. The color can range from golden to amber.

Each of these styles offers a distinct drinking experience, and personal preferences can play a significant role in which one you might enjoy the most.