I developed a love for the entire spectrum of beers while working in a brewery where I had the opportunity to sample almost all of the styles. I find that my girlfriends that aren't acquainted with craft beer are surprised at the flavors when I present them with beer & cheese or beer & food pairings (the maltier beers are especially good with chocolate!) Today, American breweries are highly revered by Europeans as being innovators; taking English, Belgian and German styles and making them into American styles (usually with American-bred hops). Most grocery stores now carry an assortment of craft beers; even the big breweries are now developing beers with more flavor. Beer styles can be sorted according to body (how much malt went into it), % alcohol, color, or bitterness. On the lighter end of the spectrum are wheat beers (Hoegaarden is a Belgian wheat beer; there are American clones). Mid-range styles include Pilsners, Oktoberfests. Stouts are actually lower in body, alcohol & bitterness than most styles--although their color is very dark; they can be "floated" on top of other styles. On Mother's Day, my college-aged son & I cooked up a simple homebrew from a kit of "Honey Wheat" that is very tasty; he's sharing with friends and I hope they begin to appreciate the craft of beer (savoring flavors rather than guzzling)! If you really are interested in learning more, an excellent book is "Tasting Beer" by Randy Mosher. Also, the Brewers' Association has a great website, look for "education."