Beer is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world, with a history that dates back to ancient times. Beer production involves the fermentation of grains, usually barley or wheat, and can include hops, spices, and fruits.
Different regions of the world have unique beer styles, and varying degrees of bitterness, sweetness, and alcohol content. In this beginner’s guide, we will explore the different types of beer and their characteristics.
Ales
Ales are a type of beer fermented at warmer temperatures using a strain of yeast that rises to the top of the fermenting liquid. This yeast is known as “top-fermenting” and gives ales their characteristic fruity and floral flavours. There are many different types of ales, but some of the most popular include:
- Pale Ale – Pale Ale is a beer brewed with pale malt with a strong hop flavour. It is a refreshing beer perfect for warm weather and pairs well with spicy foods.
- India Pale Ale (IPA) – IPA is a pale ale brewed with a higher concentration of hops. It has a bitter taste and a high alcohol content, making it a popular choice for beer enthusiasts.
- Brown Ale – Brown Ale is a beer brewed with a darker malt and nutty flavour. It is a smooth beer that pairs well with grilled meats and other hearty foods.
- Porter – Porter is a beer brewed with dark malt with a rich, chocolatey flavour. It is a heavier beer that pairs well with desserts and other sweet foods.
- Stout – Stout is a beer similar to a porter but has a more robust flavour and a higher alcohol content. It is a thick, creamy beer that pairs well with rich, savoury foods.
Lagers
Lagers are a type of beer fermented at cooler temperatures using a strain of yeast that sinks to the bottom of the fermenting liquid. This yeast is known as “bottom-fermenting” and gives lagers their clean, crisp flavour. There are many different types of lagers, but some of the most popular include:
- Pilsner – Pilsner is a type of lager that is light in colour and has a mild hop flavour. It is a refreshing beer that pairs well with light foods like salads and seafood.
- Bock – Bock is a type of lager brewed with dark malt and has a sweet, caramel-like flavour. It is a strong beer that pairs well with rich, hearty foods.
- Dunkel – Dunkel is a type of lager brewed with dark malt and has a nutty, caramel-like flavour. It is a smooth beer that pairs well with grilled meats and other savoury foods.
- Märzen – Märzen is a type of lager brewed in the spring and aged until fall. It has a rich, malty flavour and pairs well with grilled meats and other hearty foods.
- Helles – Helles is a type of lager that is light in colour and has a mild, slightly sweet flavour. It is a refreshing beer that pairs well with light foods like salads and seafood.
Belgian Beers
Belgium has a rich brewing tradition that dates back hundreds of years. Belgian beers are known for their complexity and diversity of flavours, and they are often brewed using unique ingredients and techniques.
- Witbier –Witbier is a Belgian beer brewed with wheat and spiced with coriander and orange peel. It has a light, refreshing flavour and a cloudy appearance.
- Dubbel – Dubbel is a Belgian beer brewed with dark malt with a rich, caramel-like flavour. It is a strong beer that pairs well with hearty, savoury foods.
- Tripel – Tripel is a Belgian beer brewed with light malt with a robust and fruity flavour. It is a complex beer that pairs well with rich, spicy foods.
- Quadrupel –Quadrupel is a Belgian beer brewed with dark malt with a sweet, malty flavour. It is a strong beer that pairs well with rich, sweet foods.
- Saison – Saison is a type of Belgian beer that is brewed with light malt and has a spicy, fruity flavour. It is a refreshing beer that pairs well with light, fresh foods.
Wheat Beers
Wheat beers are brewed using a high proportion of wheat in addition to barley. They are often light and refreshing, with a slightly tart taste and a creamy mouthfeel.
- Hefeweizen – Hefeweizen is a wheat beer brewed with a high proportion of wheat and has a distinctive, fruity flavour. It is a refreshing beer that pairs well with light, fresh foods.
- Kristallweizen –Kristallweizen is a type of wheat beer filtered to remove the yeast and other solids, producing a clear, crisp beer with a slightly sweet flavour.
- Dunkelweizen –Dunkelweizen is a wheat beer brewed with dark malt with a nutty, caramel-like flavour. It is a smooth beer that pairs well with grilled meats and other savoury foods.
- American Wheat Beer – American wheat beer is brewed with American hops, giving it a more citrusy, hoppy flavour. It is a refreshing beer that pairs well with spicy foods.
- Belgian Witbier – Belgian Witbier is a type of wheat beer brewed with wheat, and barley, and spiced with coriander and orange peel. It has a light, refreshing flavour and a cloudy appearance.
Sour Beers
Sour beers are a unique and diverse category of beer brewed using wild yeast or bacteria, giving them a tart and acidic taste. They are often aged in oak barrels, giving them a complex and fruity flavour.
- Berliner Weisse – Berliner Weisse is a sour beer originating in Berlin, Germany. It is brewed with wheat and has a light and refreshing taste. It is often served with flavoured syrup to balance out the tartness. Berliner Weisse is a great beer if you are new to sour beers.
- Gose –Gose is a sour beer that originated in Germany and is brewed with wheat and flavoured with salt and coriander. It has a tart, salty taste and pairs well with seafood. Gose is an excellent beer if you enjoy salty flavours and want to try something unique.
- Lambic – Lambic is a sour beer originating in Belgium and brewed using wild yeast and bacteria. It is often aged in oak barrels for several years, which gives it a complex, fruity flavour. Lambic is a great beer to try if you want to explore the world of sour beers and experience a unique and complex flavour.
- Flanders Red Ale – Flanders Red Ale is a type of sour beer that originated in the Flanders region of Belgium. It is aged in oak barrels and has a tart, fruity taste. It pairs well with rich and savoury foods, making it an excellent choice for meal pairing.
- American Wild Ale – American Wild Ale is a sour beer brewed using various wild yeast and bacteria, giving it a unique and complex flavour profile. It is often aged in oak barrels, imparting a fruity and woody flavour. American Wild Ale is a great beer to experience a unique and complex flavour.
Explore the World of Beer
Looking to explore the world of beer and try some new and exciting brews? Look no further than Sessions Liquor! Our selection of beers includes a wide range of styles and flavours, from light and refreshing Pilsners to complex and tart Sour Ales.
Visit us online or in-store to browse our selection of beers and find the perfect brew to satisfy your taste buds. Our knowledgeable staff is always happy to help you find a new favourite beer or recommend a pairing for your next meal.
So what are you waiting for? Head to Sessions Liquor today and discover the wonderful world of beer!
