Brewed on every continent around the world and enjoyed in every nation, beer can quench every type of thirst and go down as easily as spring water to thick, heady concoctions that resemble that of the thickest oatmeal.

Just as the gourmet blends have conquered a large portion of the coffee business, handcrafted brews continue to keep a firm hold on the most serious of beer drinkers. There are hundreds of thousands of brews out there, which are sure to please even the hardest to please.

When it comes to the gourmet types of microbrews, there are some things to keep in mind. If you are new to microbrews and gourmet types, you'll find the tips below to be very beneficial.

Start light
When you go to a pub or just out to drink, you should start off light with a basic lager, pilsner, or wheat beer. After that, you can work your way towards the full flavored beers, such as porters and Oktoberfest beers. These can be very potent,
especially for those who don't really drink that much.

Starting light is also good for your overall tolerance, as drinking light will prepare you for the more potent drinks. This way, you can enjoy plenty of microbrews without having to worry about stopping too early.

Brewpub
The ideal way to try new types of beer is to pay a visit to a local brewpub. Many of these small brewery/restaurants will offer samplers, which feature small glasses with four to five of their most popular beers.

This way, you can experience a variety of beer tastes without having to spend a lot of money. Once you have tried a couple of the beers, you'll know what to order.

Dark beers
If you are a casual beer drinker or can handle your tolerance, you shouldn't be afraid in the least to try dark beers. The dark color doesn't mean that the beer is heavier or contains more calories, it simply means that the malt in the beer is roasted longer or roasted to a more darker color than most.

Small business
Small businesses and small businessmen are yet another reason to get into microbrewed beer other than the taste. Local microbrew producers brew
their beers in small batches, so you'll be helping to keep the business afloat, rather than supporting the large giants of the industry.

When you know that your money is going to help the little people, you'll normally find the brew to go down much smoother. Small microbreweries need all the help they can get to continue brewing, which is reason enough to support them. You'll get a great beer for your money - and you'll be supporting those that actually need your help.

Below, you will find a guide to some of the best brews out there.

Long Trail Brewery - Bridgewater, Vermont This brewery offers several brews that will easily quench your thirst. The long trail ale is a very good choice, as it's very tasty and not too heavy, just right. The hibernator is also good, although it's winter seasonal and high in alcohol. With a pinch of honey, the pollenator provides a thirst
quenching solution to a hot summer haze.

Catamount Brewery - White River Junction - Vermont
The best seller here is the Catamount amber, as it is very tasty. The Catamount gold is also good, as it is lighter than the amber and offers plenty of refreshment on a hot day. For winter months, the Catamount Christmas ale offers a crisp taste for the cold.

7 Barrel Brewery - New Hampshire
The 7 Barrel Brewery is a restaurant as well as a brewery. The best brews here are the Dublin brown ale and the red 7 ale, although you really can't go wrong with any of their offerings. They also offer live music every Friday night with many great bands.

Vermont Pub - Burlington, Vermont
This pub is the sister brewery of the 7 Barrel Brewery. They offer a great bar that serves two rooms, with plenty of fresh and tasty beer. The brown ale and dog bite bitter are the best, as they are both very tasty.

Magic Hat Brewery - Burlington, Vermont
This brewery offers some of the best in the state of Vermont - as well as the entire United States! Their well known popular number 9 can be found on taps around the state. When you visit, don't forget to look under the cap, as they call it "Magic Hat" for a reason!