Continuing in the discussion of common anti-beer sentiments, we'll take a look at the misunderstood hops. You've heard of 'em. But what are they? And why do you not like them?

I'm a hop-head to the core, so I don't understand why people say they don't like hoppy beers. I'll concede this fact though: they may be an acquired taste.

Hops are the flowers of the Humulus Lupulus vine and they contain different compounds that contribute to the flavor and stability of the beer. The modern version of beer requires hops. They serve to contrast the sweetness of the malts. Hops add a range of flavors, such as floral, citrus or pine, while always contributing to the bitterness, which is measured in International Bittering Units, or IBUs. A beer without hops would be like Coke without the spiciness: overly sweet and kinda bland.

Here are my picks for acclimating yourself to hops.

{{tncms-asset app="editorial" id="2f29d11c-dd29-11e3-a8dd-0019bb2963f4"}}

Sweetwater 420

This is a familiar extra pale ale we've all seen. This one has enough bitterness and floral flavor to be refreshing, but very easy to drink.

{{tncms-asset app="editorial" id="33fe6ef0-dd29-11e3-b76d-0019bb2963f4"}}

Great Divide Titan IPA (India Pale Ale)

This is a favorite west coast style IPA. Titan has a nice bitter pop that leaves an incredible after taste. Sip this beer slowly at a warmer temperature than you might be used to, say around 50 F, to get the full hoppy experience.

{{tncms-asset app="editorial" id="29bea72a-dd29-11e3-a8f0-0019bb2963f4"}}

Sierra Nevada Celebration ale

Celebration is a fresh hop ale, brewed seasonally late in the year to celebrate the arrival of the hop harvest. It is a variation on an IPA, using loads of fresh, wet hops. It is typically only available around Christmas and New Year, but many retailers carry it.

{{tncms-asset app="editorial" id="2bf8f392-dd29-11e3-adba-0019bb2963f4"}}

Bells Hopslam

I mention this one because it is wildly delicious for folks who are crazy about hops, but want great balance and depth of flavor. It lives up to the name; it will rock your mouth with a bitter punch that hop fanatics love. But it isn't all bite. This brew finishes with a touch of sweetness imparted by honey.