Beer is one of the most beloved drinks in the world. It’s the ultimate social drink, perfect for any occasion. There are all sorts of different types of beer, and each country has its own unique varieties. This guest post will discuss the world’s ten most common types of beer. We will provide a brief description of each type and where it is typically enjoyed.
1. Ale
This beer is brewed using top-fermenting yeast, which gives it a distinctive flavor. It’s typically enjoyed in pubs and bars. There are many subtypes of ale, including pale ale, brown ale, and amber ale. Ale is typically enjoyed in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and North America.
- Pale Ale: This type of ale is light in color and has a slightly bitter taste. It is typically brewed with pale malt.
- Brown Ale: As the name suggests, this type of ale is brown in color. It has a malty flavor and is usually sweeter than pale ale.
- Amber Ale: This type of ale is somewhere between pale and brown ale in terms of color. It has a balanced flavor, with both malt and hops being present.
2. Lager
Lager is a type of beer that is brewed using bottom-fermenting yeast at cool temperatures for extended periods of time. This results in a clean, crisp flavor that is perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot summer day. Lagers are the most common type of beer in the world and include popular brands, such as Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Heineken.
It’s widely believed that lager was first brewed in Bavaria, Germany, in the 16th century. Today, it’s a staple in countries all over the world.
3. Stout
A type of dark beer, stout is made using roasted malt or barley, giving it a coffee-like flavor. Guinness is one of the most famous types of stout. It’s typically enjoyed in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and North America. Stout can be further divided into subcategories, such as Irish stout, dry stout, and milk stout.
- Irish Stout: This type of stout is dark in color and has a creamy texture. It is brewed with roasted barley, which gives it a coffee-like flavor.
- Dry Stout: This type of stout is similar to Irish stout, but it has a more intense flavor. It is also darker in color and has less of a creamy texture.
- Milk Stout: As the name suggests, this type of stout is made with milk. It’s sweet and creamy, making it a popular choice for dessert.
4. Porter
Another type of dark beer, porter, is similar to stout but with a smoother taste. It gets its color from being brewed with heavily roasted malt. Porter was first brewed in London in the 18th century and is still enjoyed there today. Porter can be further divided into two sub-categories: brown porter and robust porter.
- Brown Porter: This type of porter is lower in alcohol content and has a chocolate flavor.
- Robust Porter: This type of porter is higher in alcohol content and has a coffee flavor.
If you love craft beers, adding fruit purees to porters is a great way to experiment with different flavors. It’s one of the reasons why porters are so popular among brewers, as they offer endless possibilities.
5. Wheat Beer
As the name suggests, wheat beer is made with a large proportion of wheat in addition to hops and barley. It has a cloudy appearance and a slightly tart flavor. Wheat beer is typically enjoyed in Germany, Belgium, and the United States. There are two main types of wheat beer: weissbier and witbier.
- Weissbier: This type of wheat beer is light in color and has a fruity flavor. It is usually unfiltered, which gives it a cloudy appearance.
- Witbier: This type of wheat beer is also light in color, but it has a more citrusy flavor. It gets its characteristic flavor from being brewed with orange peel and coriander.
Wheat beer is often served with a slice of lemon, which helps to bring out the citrusy flavors. It can also be enjoyed with a meal or as a refreshing drink during summer vacations.
6. IPA
IPA stands for India Pale Ale. It is a type of pale ale that is brewed with extra hops, giving it a bitter flavor. IPAs are typically high in alcohol content. They were first brewed in England in the 19th century for export to India. Today, they are enjoyed all over the world. There are many different types of IPA, such as English IPA, American IPA, and Double IPA.
- English IPA: This type of IPA is light in color and has a delicate flavor.
- American IPA: This type of IPA is darker in color and has a more intense flavor.
- Double IPA: This type of IPA is even higher in alcohol content and has a very bitter flavor.
IPAs are best enjoyed by people who enjoy the taste of hops. If you find the flavor too bitter, try mixing it with another type of beer to balance out the flavors. With the right cocktail starters, such as lavender syrup or sugar-free vanilla syrup, you can easily turn an IPA into a delicious drink.
7. Bock
This is a strong, dark lager that originated in Germany. It has a malty flavor and is one of the best beers to enjoy in the winter months. There are many different types of bock, such as Maibock, Doppelbock, and Eisbock.
- Maibock: This type of bock is light in color and has a malty flavor. It is typically brewed in the spring and is often used as a transition beer from winter to summer.
- Doppelbock: This type of bock is darker in color and has a more intense flavor. It is typically brewed in the winter and is perfect for sipping on a cold night.
- Eisbock: This type of bock is made by freezing the beer and removing the ice. This concentrates the flavors, making it a strong, flavorful beer.
Bock is a great beer to enjoy with food. It pairs well with hearty dishes, such as stew or roast beef. It’s also a great option for making homemade beer cocktails—see these sugar-free recipes for some cocktail inspiration.
8. Pilsner
Pilsner is a light-bodied beer with a crisp, refreshing flavor. It originated in the Czech Republic and is now one of the most popular types of beer in the world. This crisp, light-bodied beer is perfect for sipping in the sun. Pilsner is a great beer to enjoy with food. It pairs well with lighter dishes, such as salads or fish, for a perfect summer meal.
9. Saison
Saison is a type of beer that is usually light-bodied and slightly tart. It originated in Belgium and is often brewed with wheat or rye. Saisons are popular among craft beer drinkers. This unique beer is perfect for people who enjoy a slightly sour flavor. Saison is also a great beer to enjoy with food during those random outdoor dinner parties or backyard barbeque moments with friends. It pairs well with poultry or pork. It can also be enjoyed as a refreshing summer drink.
10. Lambic
Lambic is a type of beer that is brewed with wild yeast. It originates in Belgium and has a sour, fruity flavor. Lambic beers are typically enjoyed by people who enjoy the taste of sour fruits. This unique beer can be enjoyed as a refreshing summer drink or paired with dessert.
Just like whiskeys give different flavors depending on where and how they’re made, lambic beers can taste different depending on the region where they’re brewed. So, if you have the opportunity to try lambics from different regions, be sure to take advantage of it.