So you're new to craft beer in Dallas-Fort Worth or just in town visiting? Here are the 10 essential local beers you have to try. A mix of ales and lagers, light and dark, hoppy and sweet, this list is just the tip of the iceberg of what North Texas has to offer.

Franconia Dunkel

by Franconia Brewing Co.

At 4.5 percent alcohol by volume (ABV), this dark beer is low in alcohol but high in flavor. It's a lager, so it's very clean and crisp, and the dark grains add another level of complexity without being heavy. This is a great "starter" dark beer for people who want a rich, roasty beer without the high alcohol or thickness of a stout.

Available on tap and in bottles.

Mike Modano's 561

by Rabbit Hole Brewing

Hockey fans will recognize the name on this beer -- it's a tribute to Mike Modano's 561 career goals in the NHL. Kolsch-style brews like this one are easy-drinking but flavorful, and this is my favorite American Kolsch. Effervescent and a little malty, this beer is a sessionable delight.

Available on tap and in cans.

GPA

by 3 Nations Brewing Co.

3 Nations Brewing Co. in Farmers Branch is a newer local brewery, and the GPA is one of its flagships. This pale ale is light, hoppy and citrusy, all at the same time. Some pale ales are so hoppy they should really be marketed as IPAs, but this one is balanced with the hop finish you expect from the style.

Available on tap and in cans.

Hissy Fit

by Bitter Sisters Brewing Co.

This malt-bomb is sweet and bready, with a full body and a very clean finish. The malt flavors are predominate in this Marzen lager, with toasted and spicy notes typical of an Oktoberfest.

Available on tap and in cans.

Bridesmaid's Tears

by Noble Rey Brewing Co.

One of the most accessible sours in North Texas, this strawberry-rhubarb saison is light and fruity but packs a punch at 6.6 percent ABV. If you like ciders or fruit beers, and want to experience the unique flavors of a kettle-brewed sour, this is for you. Bridesmaid's Tears is seasonally available in the spring.

Available on tap and in cans.

Dankosaurus IPA

by Cedar Creek Brewery

For all you hopheads, here's my favorite local IPA. Its name is spot on, as this beer is dank, as in earthy with additional citrus and pine hop flavors. The malty balance in this beer helps bring the bitterness to a palatable range, but hopheads will still love it.

Available on tap and in cans.

Mosaic IPA

by Community Beer Co.

Mosaic hops are all the rage, and after drinking this IPA named for them, you'll see why. This beer is hoppy and fresh, a true hophead's jam, with a high alcohol content (8.6 percent), so watch out.

Available on tap and in cans and bottles.

Velvet Hammer

by Peticolas Brewing Co.

The jewel of Dallas, Velvet Hammer is a hoppy red ale hitting 9 percent ABV. Consider it the opposite of a session beer. With such a malty base, the hops are balanced but also their own separate flavor. You can find Velvet Hammer all over North Texas, but if you want to take some home, you'll have to hit up a growler shop, as it's only on tap.

Available on tap.

The Temptress

by Lakewood Brewing Co.

This rich, flavorful milk stout drinks like an alcoholic shake. And like a shake, it comes in many flavors, such as mint, raspberry and, the newest variant, coconut. These flavors layer on top of the innate chocolate, caramel and vanilla notes. It's a strong beer and has a thick mouth-feel, so it's almost a dessert beer. Or have a few for lunch -- no judgement.

Available on tap and in bottles.

Sasquatch

by 903 Brewers

Over 10 percent ABV and available in cans, this beer is a challenge you should readily accept. Thick and creamy, this milk stout is a bit boozy, and as it warms up, it tastes like pure chocolate milk.

Available on tap, in bombers and in cans.

Mae Rock is a craft beer enthusiast, and local brewery groupie.