Savannah Souders
Types of Beer: A General Overview
Below is a description of a number of different beer styles. While the complete list of different beer styles is much more extensive than what is listed below, this will provide a brief overview of the most popular types.
Lagers
Lagers tend to have a crisp, light, and refreshing flavor. They are brewed with bottom fermenting yeast at low temperatures for a longer time period than ales.
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Lagers are the most popular beer style consumed. Pilsners also fall into this category.
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Ales
Ales are fuller-bodied with more complex flavors than lagers. They come in a variety of flavors, but generally have a fruity and malty flavor to them with a hoppy finish. Some different varieties of ales are wheat beers, pale ales, and IPAs (very hoppy beers).
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Ales are usually darker in color than lagers. Their colors can range from gold to reddish amber. They are made with top fermenting yeast at higher temperatures.
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Sours
Sour beers tend to be acidic, tart, and sour. They are not hoppy beers, and are generally brewed with a specific type of yeast called Brettanomyces.
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Stouts
Stouts are dark beers brewed with unmalted barley. They tend to be rich and creamy, but not sweet. They possess a roasted malt taste which usually includes bitter chocolate. Often they contain coffee and licorice flavors as well.
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Porters
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Porters are similar to stouts. They are a dark, full-bodied beer with roasted malt flavors. They often contain caramel, nutty, and toffee favors. Secondary flavors can include coffee, licorice, chocolate, or toast. Unlike stouts, porters are brewed with malted barley.