BJCP 34B · Specialty Beer
Mixed-Style Beer
A beer that combines two or more styles from the guidelines, such as a lager with Belgian yeast. Both styles should be recognizable in the result.
This is a specialty category, so it has no numbers of its own. Gravity, bitterness, color and alcohol are those of the base style you choose, plus whatever the special ingredient or process adds.
What Mixed-Style Beer is like
A beer that blends two or more classic styles and doesn't fit any existing category. The result has to be harmonious and let you see the styles it's made from.
Appearance
Depends on the styles combined.
Aroma
Each style's contribution should be recognizable: for example, the yeast from one and the hops from another.
Flavor
A coherent combination of the declared styles. Judges value a blend that works and doesn't come across as a mistake.
Mouthfeel
Depends on the styles combined.
Where Mixed-Style Beer comes from
Craft beer mixes styles all the time, and some of those hybrids end up becoming styles of their own. This category covers the ones that haven't yet.
Ingredients
Those of the styles combined: for example, the malt and hops of one and the yeast of another.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Mixed-Style Beer at home
Think about what each style brings and don't mix elements that clash, such as an intense citrusy hop with a very phenolic yeast. You have to state the styles being mixed; first, check that the combination doesn't already have a home, for example under Specialty IPA (21B).
Food pairing
Depends on the styles combined.
Glassware: Teku glass, a tasting glass that works with almost any style.
Frequently asked questions
What food pairs well with Mixed-Style Beer?
Depends on the styles combined.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Experimental Beer and Specialty IPA.
If you like Mixed-Style Beer, try these
Classification and statistics: official Mixed-Style Beer guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.