People started making beer around 7,000 BC. It is one of the oldest manmade drinks and it is still popular today. But what are the different types of beer out there?
Many people think that all beer is the same, but this is not true. The taste and aromas are different depending on what kind of beer you’re drinking. Keep reading and learn more about the different beer styles below.
Pale Ale
Most people have tried some type of pale ale before. You can’t start drinking beer without knowing a bit about this beer style. This is one of the most popular styles of beer out there.
Its flavor is mainly derived from hops which give it a certain earthiness. Pale malt is used for brewing beer of this type. Ale yeast is also used which gives the pale ale a distinct flavor.
It is usually golden in color and has a bright flavor. There may be a bitter aftertaste in your mouth after taking a sip. This again is due to the hops.
This type of beer has a low alcohol content. This makes it easy to drink these beers when you feel like relaxing at the end of the day. Choosing fabric vs neoprene customized koozies can help amplify your beer-drinking experience.
This beer pairs well with many different types of food. Since it is bright and bitter, it pairs especially well with spicy or fatty foods. The hoppiness will help cut through these flavors and textures to improve your meal.
There are many pale ales you can enjoy. The most popular options are the American amber ale, American pale ale, and British pale ale. While these are all slightly different, they all share the same pale ale characteristics.
Stout
Stouts are dark and luxurious. They are thicker and creamier than pale ales. When pouring a stout, a thick, white head will form at the top and stay there for some time.
The flavor is also darker and earthier compared to pale ale. This is because stout is made with unmalted roasted barley. Roasting the barely gives the drink a toastier and warmer flavor.
You may pick out more delicate hints from the barley too. Many people describe stout beers as having notes of licorice, coffee, dark chocolate, and so on. Stouts may also be slightly sweet and have hints of molasses.
This makes the drink very versatile. It pairs well with a variety of food. The most popular stout beers are American stout, American imperial stout, and Irish dry stout.
You may also come across some choices such as oyster stout, oatmeal stout, and milk stout. Most stouts go well with desserts because of their delicate sweet notes.
But they also go well with steak and similar items due to their earthy, savory nature. They have a higher alcohol content than a pale ale, so don’t go overboard.
Porter
Porter beers are quite old as they were invented in the 18th century. London is the birthplace of this beer. Taking a sip of this beer will flood your taste buds with flavors of roasted nuts and toast.
It is similar to stout beer in that it is very warm and toasty. It is also dark and thick compared to pale ale. But porters are not as intense and earthy as stouts.
Porters instead have a crispness that is reminiscent of a pale ale but to a lesser extent. The foundation of this beer is roasted brown malts. Barley is sometimes used in place of malts.
Roasted brown malts give porters their dark color and deep flavor. They also develop a thick, white head like stouts. This beer has sweet notes of caramel, dark chocolate, and toffee.
These notes are counteracted by more savory notes of coffee and earth. Popular types of porter beer include American imperial porter, Baltic porter, and English brown porter.
They pair well with savory foods like barbeque or steak.
Wheat Beer
Wheat beers are similar to pale ales but stronger and thicker. They are a dark, golden color. Hops are not often used in this type of beer.
The flavor depends on what kind of wheat is involved. This is a very refreshing and crisp type of beer with a large, white head. This beer has notes of citrus along with bright and slightly bitter flavors.
American wheat, Belgian witbier, and Berliner Weisse are popular examples. This beer pairs well with light foods like salads and seafood. This ensures the food will not overtake the flavor of the beer or vice versa.
Pilsner
This is another golden beer from the Czech Republic. Its foundation is a mix of hops and malts. Hard water is favored for this beer to give it a unique flavor and texture.
The alcohol content in this beer isn’t very high. This makes it perfect for relaxing with some friends. It is also very refreshing since it has bright flavor notes with a bitter, sharp aftertaste.
This beer pairs well with cheeses. This is because the bitterness of the beer will cut through the fattiness of the cheese and complement the creamy texture.
All about Different Types of Beer
There are many types of beer out there. The most popular type is the pale ale which is light, refreshing, and bitter. Stouts, pilsners, and wheat beer are also very popular.
Every beer style is great for pairing with certain types of food or desserts. To learn more about it, check out the other content on our website.
