Guide

Beers Like Specialty Beer — Similar Styles Ranked

These options share enough structural and flavour characteristics with specialty-beer to serve as useful alternatives or starting points. The ranking is based on profile similarity from the WhatDrink database.

10 styles ranked by structured-profile similarity to Specialty Beer, using the WhatDrink style database.

Spiced Beer
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar sweetness, similar acidity to Specialty Beer.
3–8.5% ABVBody: mediumSweetness: mediumBitterness: low-mediumAcidity: low
A broad category of beers flavoured with spices or herbs added during or after the brewing process. The spice character is typically dominant — warming, peppery, or aromatic — sitting over a medium malt body. Spiced beers range from pumpkin ales to Belgian witbier and winter warmers.
Metheglin (spiced mead)
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar sweetness, similar acidity to Specialty Beer.
3–8.5% ABVBody: mediumSweetness: mediumBitterness: low-mediumAcidity: low
Metheglin is spiced or herb-infused mead in which honey fermentation is shaped by botanicals such as cinnamon, ginger, clove or herbs.
Fruit Beer
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar sweetness, similar acidity to Specialty Beer.
3–8.5% ABVBody: mediumSweetness: mediumBitterness: low-mediumAcidity: low
A beer style brewed with added fruit, most commonly showing prominent red or stone fruit character alongside a gentle sweetness and mild acidity. The base beer can range from wheat to pale ale, but the fruit defines the flavour — typically vivid, juicy, and approachable.
Melomel (fruit mead)
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar sweetness, similar acidity to Specialty Beer.
3–8.5% ABVBody: mediumSweetness: mediumBitterness: low-mediumAcidity: low
Melomel is fruit mead made by fermenting honey with fruit or adding fruit during maturation, creating berry, orchard or tropical flavours.
Wood-Aged Beer
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar sweetness, similar acidity to Specialty Beer.
3–8.5% ABVBody: mediumSweetness: mediumBitterness: low-mediumAcidity: low
A beer that is aged in wooden barrels, which can impart unique flavors and aromas.
Gruit
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar sweetness, similar acidity to Specialty Beer.
3–8.5% ABVBody: mediumSweetness: mediumBitterness: low-mediumAcidity: low
A historical beer style brewed before the widespread use of hops, flavored instead with a mix of herbs and botanicals (the gruit mixture).
Rauchbier
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar sweetness, similar acidity to Specialty Beer.
3–8.5% ABVBody: mediumSweetness: mediumBitterness: low-mediumAcidity: low
A German speciality lager from Bamberg brewed with beechwood-smoked malt, producing a striking campfire smokiness layered over a rich, malty base. The smoke character ranges from delicate to assertive depending on the proportion of smoked malt used, underpinned by toasty grain and low bitterness.
Smoked Beer
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar sweetness, similar acidity to Specialty Beer.
3–8.5% ABVBody: mediumSweetness: mediumBitterness: low-mediumAcidity: low
A type of beer that has been made with malts that have been smoked over a wood fire, imparting a distinct smoky flavor.
American Amber Ale
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar sweetness, similar acidity to Specialty Beer.
3–8.5% ABVBody: mediumSweetness: mediumBitterness: low-mediumAcidity: low
A beer style with a amber color and a balance of malt and hops, often featuring a caramel or toffee-like malt flavor.
Belgian Dubbel
Ranks as a close match based on similar body, similar sweetness, similar acidity to Specialty Beer.
3–8.5% ABVBody: mediumSweetness: mediumBitterness: low-mediumAcidity: low
A beer style that is characterized by a dark color and a complex malt flavor, with notes of caramel, fruit and spice.

Methodology

Frequently asked questions

What is specialty beer?: Specialty beer is a beer style with a specific flavor profile and production character. If you already enjoy specialty beer, the alternatives on this page share key sensory attributes from WhatDrink data.
What does specialty beer taste like?: Specialty beer has a recognisable flavor defined by its ingredients and production method. The sensory profile on the page shows its dimensions relative to similar styles.
Why would I want an alternative to specialty beer?: Common reasons include regional availability, wanting to explore the broader style category, preference for slightly different flavor balance, or price point. The alternatives here share enough attributes to appeal to fans of specialty beer.
How similar are these styles to specialty beer?: Similarity is scored on shared sensory attributes — body, sweetness, bitterness, acidity — from WhatDrink style data. Styles at the top share the most overlap. Individual taste will affect how similar they feel in practice.
How many alternatives are on this page?: The count is shown above. All are drawn from WhatDrink's style database.
What foods pair well with styles like specialty beer?: Food pairings for each alternative are listed on their individual style pages. Styles similar to specialty beer tend to suit similar food pairings, though there will be variation.
Are these styles easy to find?: Availability varies by region and retailer. The style names on this page are the standard industry terms — use them to search your local bottle shop, bar, or online retailer.