The annual Best in Beer Reader’s Choice awards are back with the results for 2024, revealing the most popular beer styles that have tickled the taste buds of beer enthusiasts around the globe. From hoppy IPAs to robust stouts, the preferences of beer drinkers continue to evolve, showcasing a diverse range of flavors and brewing traditions.

Topping the chart this year is the New England IPA (NEIPA), which continues to captivate drinkers with its juicy, fruity profile and hazy appearance. Its low bitterness and creamy mouthfeel make it a hit among those who aren’t fans of the intense bitterness found in traditional IPAs.

Coming in at a close second is the Sour Beer category. This broad category captures various sub-styles such as Gose, Berliner Weisse, and American Wild Ale. The growing trend towards mixed fermentation and barrel-aging has allowed brewers to create complex flavor profiles that range from tart and refreshing to funky and vinous.

Stouts have made a strong showing as well, particularly Imperial Stouts aged in bourbon barrels. These high-ABV beers bring a richness and depth of flavor with notes of chocolate, coffee, and vanilla melding with the warm booziness from their time spent in barrels.

Not to be overlooked is the resurgence of Lager styles, including Pilsners and Helles Lagers. Drinkers are gravitating towards these cleaner, crisper beer options as they seek out refreshment and simplicity. Many appreciate these styles for their technical brewing prowess required to perfect them.

Lastly, innovative Hybrid Beers are forging their own path. This experimental category includes beers like Brut IPAs and hazy-lager hybrids that defy traditional classification but resonate well with adventurous drinkers looking for something new and unconventional.

2024’s most popular beer styles reflect a blend of reverence for traditional brewing methods and excitement for creative innovations. As tastes continue to diversify, one thing remains clear: the world of beer has never been more exciting or varied than it is today. Whether you’re sipping on a sour or toasting with a robust stout, there’s no shortage of acclaimed options to explore thanks to this year’s Best in Beer Reader’s Choice awards.