A quick guide to autumn’s best beers, from amber ales to soul-warming stouts.

Now that summer’s oppressive heat has lifted (it seems to hurt less when you say it like that) and the days are filled with crisp, clean air it’s time to turn from light ales and thirst-quenching lagers to ones that have a little more heft—beer that’ll put hair on your chest. Or, at least ones that will stand up to the hearty stews and heavier dishes that become customary this time of year.

As the weather changes so do our palates (white wine in summer, red wine in winter anyone?) and suddenly you might find yourself craving a fuller-flavoured beer when just a couple weeks ago it would have been a bucket of Coronas or bust. Luckily we live in a country of devote beer drinkers that’s helped create a flourishing market for micro-brews—many of them crafting exceptional fall-friendly beers—as well as helping to keep demand high for full-bodied European ales, stouts and Abbey beers.

Broken down into three main categories (with some overlap) here’s a quick guide to choosing a beer that’ll both quench your autumnal thirst and compliment your meal.

Can’t tell a Gewürztraminer from a Spätburgunder? Learn about the different varieties of German wine, plus how to decode the labels.

Understanding German wines can be like learning to fly fish — from a guy with a thick Bavarian accent. It’s difficult and confusing but can be incredibly rewarding — once you’ve hooked your first fish. Germany produces some of the greatest white wines on the planet, and once you learn the language you’ll be able to navigate this section of your local wine shop with greater ease and precision — like driving a Mercedes.

Refreshing Whites for Summer and Beyond

As with fashion and television shows some things peak during different seasons. The same can be said with wine. During the cold, dark nights of winter you’ll find many people sipping bold cabernet sauvignons by the fire, while during the summer big red wines feel heavy and hot. The dog days of summer can feel heavy and hot themselves so many of us turn to cool and refreshing whites to help satiate our thirst and pass time on the patio. Whether you need to pair a bottle with a light meal or are just looking for something to sip with friends, choosing a wine that fits your mood is as easy as a trip to your local wine shop — if you know what you’re looking for, that is.