There are countless styles of beer, each with its own unique characteristics and flavors. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, there’s a beer out there for every palate. Here’s a brief overview of some of the most popular styles of beer:
- Ale: Ales are brewed with top-fermenting yeast, which gives them a distinct, fruity flavor. There are many sub-categories of ale, including pale ale, amber ale, and brown ale. Pale ales are known for their hop-forward flavor, while amber ales are slightly sweeter and have a toasty, caramel-like flavor. Brown ales are known for their nutty, chocolatey taste.
- Lager: Lagers are brewed with bottom-fermenting yeast, which gives them a clean, crisp flavor. There are many sub-categories of lager, including pilsner, bock, and Vienna lager. Pilsners are light and refreshing, with a dry, hoppy flavor. Bocks are stronger and have a malty, sweet flavor. Vienna lagers are amber in color and have a toasty, biscuity flavor.
- Wheat beer: Wheat beers are made with a high proportion of wheat, which gives them a hazy, cloudy appearance and a soft, smooth texture. There are many sub-categories of wheat beer, including hefeweizen, witbier, and Berliner weisse. Hefeweizens are characterized by their banana and clove flavors, witbiers have a citrusy flavor, and Berliner weisses are tart and refreshing.
- Stout: Stouts are known for their rich, full-bodied flavor and dark color. They are made with roasted barley, which gives them a chocolatey or coffee-like flavor. There are many sub-categories of stout, including Irish stout, milk stout, and imperial stout. Irish stouts are lighter in body and have a dry, roasted flavor. Milk stouts are sweeter and have a creamy mouthfeel thanks to the addition of lactose. Imperial stouts are strong and have a bold, intense flavor.
- IPA: India pale ales (IPAs) are known for their hoppy flavor and high alcohol content. They are made with a variety of hops, which gives them a range of flavors, from citrusy to piney. There are many sub-categories of IPA, including New England IPA, West Coast IPA, and Double IPA. New England IPAs are hazy and have a juicy, fruity flavor. West Coast IPAs are clear and have a more traditional, hoppy flavor. Double IPAs are stronger and have an even hoppier flavor.
- Porter: Porters are dark, malty beers with a complex flavor profile. They are made with roasted barley and have a chocolate or coffee-like flavor. There are many sub-categories of porter, including American porter, Baltic porter, and English porter. American porters are slightly sweeter and have a hoppy finish. Baltic porters are stronger and have a richer, more complex flavor. English porters are more balanced and have a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
There are many other styles of beer out there, each with its own unique characteristics and flavors. From hoppy and bitter IPAs to smooth and creamy stouts, there is a beer out there for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just starting out on your beer journey, there is always something new to discover and enjoy.