A Local’s Guide to Craft Beer Styles: From Bernal Hill to the Bay
San Francisco isn’t just a city; it’s the birthplace of the modern craft beer revolution. At SF Tequila Shop (and our dedicated SF Beer Shop), we don’t just move boxes—we curate a liquid library. Whether you’re grabbing a 4-pack for a sunny afternoon at Dolores Park or a rare stout for a foggy night in Bernal Heights, understanding the “why” behind the pour makes every sip better.
The Backbone of the Bay: The Ale Family
Ales are fermented warm and fast, resulting in the bold, expressive flavors San Franciscans crave.
Pale Ale: The “everyday” hero. Balanced and bready—perfect for a post-hike refresher.
India Pale Ale (IPA): The undisputed king of the West Coast. From the piney, clear West Coast IPAs to the juice-bomb Hazy IPAs (NEIPAs) often found in our rotating “New Arrivals” section.
Stouts & Porters: These are our “liquid desserts.” Look for Untitled Art’s pastry stouts or local roasted porters featuring notes of dark chocolate and espresso.
Belgian Ales: Sophisticated and effervescent. Ranging from light Saisons to dark, plum-heavy Quads.
Crisp & Clean: The Lager Revival
Don’t call them “basic.” Lagers require immense technical skill to brew.
Pilsner: Think snappy, floral, and bone-dry. The ultimate palate cleanser.
Helles: A softer, maltier German cousin to the Pilsner—perfect for those who want flavor without the hop “bite.”
The Wild Side: Sour & Tart Ales
For the adventurous palate, sours offer an acidic brightness that pairs beautifully with SF’s diverse food scene.
Gose: A salty, tart wheat beer (often with coriander). It’s basically “Gatorade for beer lovers.”
Lambic & Gueuze: Funky, earthy, and spontaneously fermented. These are the “fine wines” of the beer world.
Wheat & Hybrid Innovations
Hefeweizen & Witbier: Naturally hazy with hints of banana, clove, or orange peel.
The “Rule Breakers”: San Francisco thrives on innovation. We stock Black IPAs (dark malt meets citrus hops) and the latest Fruit Smoothie Sours that blur the line between beer and fresh puree.
High Gravity: Imperial & Double Styles
When you want more intensity, look for the “Imperial” tag. Our shelves feature Double IPAs and Imperial Stouts (such as the viral Dubai Chocolate Bar Stout) that boast higher ABVs and more concentrated flavor profiles.
Why Shop Craft at 801 Cortland Ave?
At SF Tequila Shop, we believe craft beer is a journey of discovery. We look for beers with the same terroir, complexity, and “Gusto Histórico” (historical taste) that we demand from our mezcals.
Ready to find your new favorite pour? Stop by our Bernal Heights storefront or browse our real-time inventory online. We specialize in the rare, the local, and the legendary.
📍 Visit Us: 801 Cortland Avenue, San Francisco, CA