From Ales to Lagers: The Ultimate Beer Type Guide
If you’re a beer lover, you know that there are countless different types of beer out there. From ales to lagers, stouts to porters, it can be overwhelming to try and keep track of them all. But fear not, because we’ve got you covered with this ultimate beer type guide!
Ales vs Lagers: What’s the Difference?
Before we dive into the different types of beer, let’s first talk about the two main categories: ales and lagers. The main difference between the two is the type of yeast used in the brewing process. Ales use a yeast that ferments at warmer temperatures, while lagers use a yeast that ferments at colder temperatures. This results in a major difference in flavor and texture.
Ales:
Ales are known for their bold, complex flavors and aromas. They’re often described as having a fruity or spicy taste, and tend to be darker in color. Some popular types of ales include:
- IPA (India Pale Ale): a hoppy, bitter beer with a citrusy taste
- Pale Ale: a lighter ale with a balance of hops and malt
- Belgian Ale: a spicy, fruity ale with a high ABV (alcohol by volume)
- Stout: a dark, heavy ale with a roasted flavor
Lagers:
Lagers, on the other hand, are known for their crisp, clean taste and light color. They’re the most popular type of beer in the world, and are often described as having a “refreshing” taste. Some popular types of lagers include:
- Pilsner: a light, crisp beer with a mild hop flavor
- Helles: a German-style lager with a sweet flavor
- Bock: a strong, malty beer with a high ABV
- Amber Lager: a malty, medium-bodied beer with a caramel flavor
Other Types of Beer:
While ales and lagers are the two main categories, there are plenty of other types of beer out there worth exploring. Here are a few examples:
Stouts and Porters:
- Imperial Stout: a stronger, more intense version of a regular stout
- Porter: a dark, almost black beer with a roasted flavor
- Milk Stout: a sweet stout made with lactose
Sours:
- Gose: a salty, sour beer that originated in Germany
- Lambic: a fruity, tart beer typically aged in oak barrels
- Flanders Red Ale: a red beer with a sour, acidic taste
Wheat Beers:
- Hefeweizen: a German-style wheat beer with a fruity, banana-like flavor
- Witbier: a Belgian-style wheat beer with a citrusy flavor
- Berliner Weisse: a highly carbonated, tart wheat beer
Fruit Beers:
- Raspberry Ale: an ale brewed with raspberries for a fruity flavor
- Cherry Stout: a stout brewed with cherries, often with a slightly sour taste
- Blueberry Wheat: a wheat beer brewed with blueberries for a sweet, fruity taste
Frequently Asked Questions:
What’s the difference between ale and beer?
In general, the terms “beer” and “ale” are often used interchangeably. However, technically speaking, ale is a type of beer that uses a specific type of yeast and is typically fermented at a warmer temperature than lagers.
What’s the strongest type of beer?
The strongest type of beer is typically an imperial stout or an imperial IPA, which can have an ABV of 10% or higher.
What’s the best beer for beginners?
If you’re new to beer, start with a light beer like a pilsner or lager. These beers are generally easy to drink and have a mild flavor. From there, you can start exploring different types of beer to find the ones you like best.
Is dark beer stronger than light beer?
Not necessarily. The color of a beer doesn’t necessarily indicate how strong it is. There are many light-colored beers that are quite strong, and many dark beers that are relatively low in alcohol.