The Most Underrated Beer Style Might Surprise You

These days, ask anyone what the most overrated style of beer is, and you're likely to get the same answer: maybe you've heard of the not-so-subtle IPA? Smithsonian Magazine outlines the beer's great origin story: this hoppy brew was made popular by British soldiers stationed in India in the 1800s (hence the name: India Pale Ale), who reveled in the ale's bright, strong flavors.

In recent years, IPAs have cornered the market, making up over a quarter of craft beer consumption in the US, according to Brewers Association. But in doing so, some brewers argue that IPAs have overshadowed the merits of other, less talked about beer styles. So, which beer style is the most underrated these days? As Thrillist suggests, brewers have strong opinions on the matter. But one beer in particular seems to hop (sorry) from list to list of the most underrated brews.

In the same Thrillist article, brewers and beer connoisseurs alike lamented the lagers that haven't been given their due; one writer even arguing that the "time and craftsmanship that go into making a good lager is really ignored by the general craft beer drinker." Lagers are conditioned slowly, and at cooler temperatures than ales, often making them crisper and lighter, according to Eater. And the Pilsner — a pale lager with a trademark golden hue that was born in Eastern Europe — is seeing an overdue resurgence of late (via Food & Wine). 

"People that have been drinking beer in the craft scene for some time, their palates are worn out," says a source at Bon Appetit. "You can have a Pilsner and it's light, refreshing, and super-entertaining on the palate." So, will Pilsners soon see an IPA-like boom? In 2021, anything is possible.