Stop and step away from the Corona. I understand you think it looks cool because it matches your shirt and your flip-flops, but believe me, there is a world of great beers out there and they don’t require a lime.

Beer has come a long way over the years. Thanks to a few brave men and women and a little experimentation, beer isn’t limited to the stuff your grandpa used to drink. Microbrews have added a whole new dimension of diversity and flavor.

Microbreweries aren’t, well, so micro anymore. Many are large-scale operations and distribute beer to all corners of the nation. So the beer that gave you that wicked hangover in Austin might make its way to your local watering hole here in ICT.

What’s best about microbrews is the variety. From light to dark, sweet to bitter, there is a beer to fit your every need. The best way to find out which one you like is to test them out.

Not that adventurous? Just ask a pro. Locally owned ABC Discount Wine and Liquor, Jacob Wine and Liquor, and bars with a hefty beer selection like The Anchor all staff knowledgeable beer aficionados that can help you separate the good from the bad.

Here a few of my favorite microbrews:

Rogue

Founded in Newport, Oregon, Rogue is perfect for the seasoned beer drinker. Known for their giant 22 oz bottles and bold favors, Rogue brews over 30 different ales, porters and pilsners for any taste.

Can’t go wrong with: Dead Guy Ale – American Amber Ale – Chipotle Ale

Anchor Brewing

Located in San Francisco, this microbrewery produces some of the best beer you can get your hands on. Expect to pay a little more for it, but it’s definitely worth the splurge.

Can’t go wrong with: Anchor Steam – Liberty Ale – Anchor Summer

Boulevard Brewing Co.

This Kansas City-brewed beer is no stranger to the area. Their wheat beers and pale ales are staples in the Wichita bar scene.

Can’t go wrong with: Boulevard Wheat – Boulevard Pale Ale – Boulevard Single-Wide IPA

Shiner

Named after the town the Spoetzl Brewery calls home, you can find most Shiner beers on tap in every dive bar in Texas. Too bad that’s not the case here.

Can’t go wrong with: Shiner Bock – Shiner Hefeweizen – Shiner Bohemian Black Lager

New Belgium Brewing Company

Fat Tire may have put this microbrewery on the map, but it’s their hearty collection of seasonal brews that keep beer drinkers coming back for more.

Can’t go wrong with: Trippel – Skinny Dip – 2 Below

Some beers that’ll break your heart:

Big Sky Moose Drool Brown Ale – The name says it all.

Sam Adams Chocolate Bock – I don’t like my beer like I like my ice cream. Or cake. Or candy bar. Or, you get the point.

Ed Hardy Beer: Yes, this does exist. No, don’t drink it. Enough said.

What’s your favorite microbrew?

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