A Year of Beers

Walking into a beer store wasn't always so fun. Or so confusing.

Decades ago, a local carry-out might hold the big American brands, a few Canadian expats and a handful of slightly more exotic favorites. It didn't take long to make a decision. Beer was bought mostly to quench thirst, accompany a ballgame and loosen up parties. Drinkers had a favorite brand and stuck to it.

Today, everything's different.

The number of quality beer stores in Central Ohio has exploded, and even gas stations boast brews from across the world. American standbys sit next to Belgian ales. Light complements dark. A beer aisle is now a world of color, diversity and innovation.

And the bigger the selection, the longer most of us stand before the array, scratching our heads.

This spread aims to help you pick a great beer - not just the one with the prettiest label.

Inside you'll find a beer to try each week for the next year, starting with ones to battle the August heat. We sampled from more than 40 breweries, highlighting a few beloved brews and many you've probably never tasted. Selections track the seasons, explore different styles and commemorate holidays.

Sometimes you'll see a few examples of the same style increasing in flavor or strength - like a flight of aromatic Belgian-style ales in May. Other times, certain beers mark special occasions - like one-off picks for the Fourth of July and St. Patty's Day.

Each entry's got the basic info and the reason why you'll savor it until the final sip.

Bottoms up!

Check out the Year of Beers!