From Ale to Modelo: A Journey Through Beer Styles
If you are a fan of beer, you know that there is a wide variety of beer styles available. From refreshing lagers to hearty stouts, there is something fo every palate. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the world of beer styles. We’ll explore the different types of beer available, and the characteristics that make each one unique.
Ales
Ales are brewed with a type of yeast known as top-fermenting yeast. This yeast ferments at warmer temperatures than lager yeast, which gives the beer a fruity, estery flavor. Ales typically have a sweeter and fuller flavor than lagers. There are many different types of ales, including:
Pale Ale
Pale ales are one of the most popular styles of ale. They are light in color and have a hoppy, citrusy flavor. They are usually brewed with English hops, which tend to be more aromatic and floral than American hops.
India Pale Ale (IPA)
India Pale Ales, or IPAs, are known for their hoppy flavor and high alcohol content. They were originally brewed for British troops stationed in India, as the high alcohol content acted as a preservative during the long journey by sea. Today, IPAs are popular among craft beer enthusiasts and can be found with a wide variety of hop flavors.
Brown Ale
Brown ales are darker in color than pale ales and have a nutty, caramel flavor. They are often compared to a light-bodied porter.
Lagers
Lagers are brewed with a type of yeast known as bottom-fermenting yeast. This yeast ferments at cooler temperatures than ale yeast, which gives the beer a clean, crisp flavor. Lagers are typically more carbonated and have a lighter body than ales. There are many different types of lagers, including:
Pilsner
Pilsners are one of the most popular styles of lager. They are light in color and have a crisp, clean taste. The most common type of pilsner is the Bohemian pilsner, which originated in the Czech Republic.
Bock
Bocks are a heavier style of lager, with a darker color than most lagers. They are typically brewed with German hops and have a malty, slightly sweet taste.
Amber Lager
Amber lagers are somewhere in between light and dark lagers. They are brewed with roasted malt, which gives them a slightly caramel flavor.
Stout
Stouts are a dark beer that is brewed with roasted barley. They are typically heavier and more filling than most other beer styles. There are many different types of stouts, including:
Dry Stout
Dry stouts are one of the most popular styles of stout. They are dark in color and have a slightly bitter taste. The most famous dry stout is Guinness.
Imperial Stout
Imperial stouts are brewed with a high alcohol content and have a strong, malty flavor. They are often aged in oak barrels to give them a deeper flavor.
Milk Stout
Milk stouts are brewed with lactose, which gives them a slightly sweet taste. They are a popular style among beer enthusiasts who appreciate a sweeter, more dessert-like beer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ale and lager?
The main difference between ale and lager is the type of yeast used in the brewing process. Ale is brewed with top-fermenting yeast, which ferments at warmer temperatures than bottom-fermenting yeast, which is used to brew lagers.
What is the difference between a pale ale and an IPA?
Pale ales are typically lighter in color and have a milder, more floral flavor than IPAs. IPAs are brewed with a higher quantity of hops, which give them a strong, bitter taste.
What is the most popular beer style in the world?
The most popular beer style in the world is lager. It accounts for over 90% of beer sales globally.