What Types of Beer Are There?

Beer can be divided into ale and lager, but there are many types of beer. Each beer has different colors, alcohol content and taste.

Pale Ale

Pale ale is one of the most popular beers in the world. It is known for its golden to copper color and hops. It has a strong hop flavor and a light malt flavor with a slightly bitter aftertaste. It is usually lower in alcohol and easy to drink.

• Alcohol by volume: 4.4-5.4%

• IPA: 30-50

• Examples: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company's Pale Ale, Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale

• Pairing: Seafood, poultry, cheddar cheese

• Serving temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit

American Amber Ale

American amber ales are usually golden or amber in color. They tend to be bitter due to the high amount of hops used in the brewing process. Many customers may find it quite strong due to its high alcohol content.

• Alcohol by Volume: 4.4-6.1%

• IPA: 25-45

• Examples: Lagunitas Imperial Red Ale, Stone Brewing Company's Levitation Ale

• Pairings: American cuisine, meats, fish, blue cheese

• Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit

Pilsner

Pilsner is usually brewed with malt, hops and neutral or hard water. Pilsner stands out for its dry, bitter taste and is very popular in the summer.

Types of Pilsner

• American Pilsner

• Czech Pilsner

• German Pilsner

Stouts

Stouts are known for their dark color and thick, creamy head. They have a rich, toasty flavor that comes from the unmalted, roasted barley added to the wort. Stouts often have notes of coffee, chocolate, licorice, or molasses, making them a perfect accompaniment to desserts.

American Stout

• ABV: 4.5-6.0%

• INU: 20-30

• Examples: Shipyard Longfellow Winter Ale, Arcadia London Porter

• Pairings: American and British cuisine, meats, chocolate, fontina cheese

• Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit

Oatmeal Stout

As the name implies, Oatmeal Stout has oats added to the malt blend. This adds smoothness and sweetness to the beer.

• ABV: 3.8-6.0%

• INU: 20-40

• Examples: Young's Oatmeal Stout, Troegs Java Head Stout

• Pairings: Meats, shellfish, chocolate, Camembert

• Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit

Types of Belgian Styles

Belgian beers are known for their spicy, fruity flavors and high alcohol content. Although Belgian beers are high in alcohol, they are generally low in bitterness.

• Alcohol by Volume: 4.0-7.0%

• International Nutritional Units: 15-25

• Examples: Young's Double Chocolate Stout, Lancaster Brewing Company Milk Stout, Samuel Adams Cream Stout

• Pairings: Mexican food, beef, chocolate, ice cream, cheddar cheese

• Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit

Wheat beer

Malted with wheat, it has a smooth, cloudy taste. This beer is very low in hops, and its flavor depends on the type of wheat used. Wheat beer often has citrus flavors and a full body.

American Pale Wheat Ale

• ABV: 3.5-5.6%

• INU: 15-25

• Examples: Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat Ale, Shipyard Summer Ale

• Pairing: Mexican food, spicy food, poultry, mozzarella cheese

• Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit

Sour Beers

Sour ales are brewed with wild yeast and bacteria to provide high acidity. The acidity gives the beer a sour flavor instead of the bitterness common in other beers. Many brewers also add fruit and spices to wild ales to give them a sweet, fruity flavor.

American Sour

• ABV: Varies

• IBU: Variety

• Examples: Samuel Adams American Kriek, Weyerbacher Riserva

• Pairing: Fruit, strong cheeses

• Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit

Specialty beers

Specialty beers are a delightful and diverse category of beers that satisfy the adventurous palates of beer lovers. These beers transcend traditional styles and push the boundaries of flavor, aroma, and brewing techniques. Specialty beers are brewed with passion and creativity, using a variety of unique ingredients including exotic fruits, spices, herbs, and even barrel-aged spirits to create complex and enticing flavors.

American Rye Beer

American Black Ale is dark in color, with malty and roasted flavors and moderate to strong hop bitterness. This style is sometimes called a black IPA.

• Alcohol by Volume: 6.0-7.5%

• International Nutritional Units: 50-75

• Examples: Lagunitas NightTime, Founders Dark Penance, Victory Yakima Glory

• Pairings: Aged cheese, seafood, chocolate

• Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit