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Start with light beer and work your way to the darker varieties

Brewed on every continent and enjoyed in nearly every nation, beer can run the gamut from thirst-quenching beverages that go down as easily as spring water to thick, heady concoctions reminiscent of liquefied oatmeal. Just as gourmet blends have conquered the coffee business, handcrafted microbrews have a hold on the world's serious beer enthusiasts. So how can a beer drinker begin to explore the eclectic world of small-batch beers?

Michael Brown is a beer fan and an expert in the area of microbrews. He currently works for Central Market HEB, a Texas-based gourmet grocery store chain, where he serves as a wine steward and teaches a class about beer. Here, he offers some tips for those looking to learn more about gourmet beer:

• Start light. Brown recommends starting out light, with a basic lager, pilsner, or wheat beer—then working toward the full-flavored stouts, porters, and Oktoberfest beers.

• Brewpubs. A good way to try new types of beer is to visit a local brewpub. Most of these small brewery/restaurants will have "flights," or samplers, that feature small glasses of four or five of their beers. You can taste a variety of beers without spending a lot of money, and then order a larger glass of what you enjoy.

• Dark beers. According to Brown, beer drinkers shouldn't be afraid of trying dark beers. The dark color doesn't necessarily mean that the beer is heavier or more caloric; it just means that the malt is roasted longer or to a darker color.

• Small businessmen. And there's another reason to get into microbrewed beer besides just the taste. Since local producers make these beers in small batches, you'll be helping keep family businesses afloat rather than giving your money to the huge industry giants. And knowing your money is helping the little guy might make that delicious brew go down even smoother.

For more information on beer and microbrews, check out the following organizations and websites:

The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club
www.beermonthclub.com/

American Microbrewery Links Page
members.tripod.com/~direct_hit/microbrews.html

California Beer Page
beerexpedition.com/ca/

Realbeer.com
www.realbeer.com/

Beer Advocate
www.beeradvocate.com/