A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Different Types of Beer

Beer is often enjoyed without a second thought to the skill and effort of the maltsters and brewers who crafted it—but that’s beginning to change. More and more, people are starting to appreciate the incredible range of flavors beer has to offer. These flavors can now be matched to our mood or even paired with the food on our plates, transforming beer from a casual drink into a more thoughtful experience.

What Defines a Beer Type?

When it comes to beer, the ingredients, brewing process, fermentation method, and flavor profiles all contribute to defining its style. At its core, beer is made from four essential ingredients: water, malt, hops, and yeast and each one plays a significant role in shaping the flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel of the final brew.

Water: Water is the most significant ingredient in beer by volume, making up over 90% of the liquid. The mineral content and pH level of the water directly influence the beer’s flavor. For instance, the hard water of Burton-on-Trent is perfect for making pale ales, while the soft water of Pilsen produces crisp, clean lagers.

Malt: Malt is the backbone of beer, providing the sugars needed for fermentation. Malted barley is the most common choice, though other grains like wheat, rye, and oats are used as well. The malt's roast level affects the color, flavor, and body of the beer. Pale malt creates lighter, crisper beers, while darker malts give off richer flavors, like caramel or chocolate, found in stouts and porters.

Hops: Hops add bitterness to balance out the malt’s sweetness and contribute to the aroma. There are 3 types of hops in beer: aroma hops, bittering hops, and dual-purpose hops. Aroma hops give beer its floral, citrusy, or pine-like notes, while bittering hops provide the bite that cuts through the sweetness of malt.

Yeast: Yeast is responsible for fermentation, converting sugars from the malt into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Yeast also imparts its own flavors, with ale yeasts producing fruity or spicy notes and lager yeasts creating a cleaner, more subtle taste.

The brewing process itself is a combination of art and science. Brewers carefully control every step, from mashing the malt to extracting the wort, boiling it with hops, and then fermenting it with yeast. The way each ingredient is treated at each stage of the brewing process significantly alters the beer’s final character.

Ale vs. Lager: The Two Main Categories

When it comes to different types of beer, nearly all of them fall under two main categories: ales and lagers. The primary difference between them is the fermentation process, specifically the type of yeast used and the temperature at which fermentation occurs.

Ales: Ales are brewed with top-fermenting yeast, which works at warmer temperatures (around 60-75°F). This type of yeast tends to rise to the top of the fermenter during brewing and ferments relatively quickly. The warm fermentation process encourages the production of more esters and phenols, resulting in complex, fruity, and spicy flavors. Examples of ales include IPAs, stouts, and pale ales. Ales generally have a fuller body and a more robust taste.

Lagers: Lagers, on the other hand, use bottom-fermenting yeast, which thrives in colder temperatures (around 45-55°F). This yeast sinks to the bottom of the fermenter and works more slowly than ale yeast. The cooler, slower fermentation process results in a cleaner, crisper beer with fewer fruity flavors. Lagers are known for their smooth, refreshing qualities, making them perfect for styles like Pilsners, Vienna Lagers, and Bocks.

Though the difference between ale and lager might seem small in technical terms, it has a huge impact on the flavor and character of the beer. Ales are often bolder and more complex, while lagers tend to be lighter, cleaner, and more refreshing.

Main Beer Categories

While the distinction between ale and lager is the foundation, beer comes in an extensive range of styles.  Between ale and lager are a lot of beers to explore–from light, refreshing options to dark, robust brews.

Ales

Ales are one of the oldest beer types, representing the roots of brewing traditions. Brewed with top-fermenting yeast, ales offer a range of robust flavors and aromas.

Popular Types of Ales

Pale Ale: Known for its balance of malt and hops, pale ales vary from the malty English Pale Ale to the hoppier American Pale Ale.

IPA (India Pale Ale): The iconic IPA, with its bold hops, is a product of centuries of evolution, ranging from the citrus-forward West Coast IPA to the hazy New England IPA.

Stout: Dark, creamy, and rich, Stouts showcase flavors from roasted malt to chocolate and coffee. Examples include Dry Stout and Milk Stout.

Porter: Lighter than stouts but still full of character, Porters offer roasted flavors with varieties like Baltic Porter.

Belgian Ales: Brewed with tradition and regional pride, Belgian ales like Dubbel, Tripel, and Belgian Blonde stand out for their spicy and fruity notes.

Wheat Beers: A refreshing option, wheat beers like Hefeweizen and Witbier feature lighter flavors and are brewed with a significant portion of wheat.

Lagers

Lagers represent the patience and precision that goes behind brewing, crafted through cool fermentation that results in a crisp, clean flavor. Known for their smoothness and refreshing qualities, lagers are the go-to choice when looking for something lighter yet satisfying. This category of beer has a long-standing tradition and offers a variety of styles that range from light and easy-drinking to malty and rich.

Popular Types of Lagers

Pilsner: When asking "what is a pilsner type of beer?" the answer lies in its crispness and refreshing nature. Both the Czech Pilsner and German Pilsner are iconic examples of this style.

Helles: This light German lager has a malt-forward taste that makes it approachable for any beer lover.

Vienna Lager: A balanced beer with a touch of sweetness, Vienna Lager has a malty backbone and is linked to Austrian brewing.

Bock: A stronger lager style, Bocks such as Maibock and Doppelbock are full of rich malt flavors.

Hybrids and Specialty Beers

Some beers don’t fit neatly into the ale or lager categories, and these hybrid and specialty beers highlight  the endless creativity of brewers.

Popular Hybrid Beers and Specialty Brews

Saison: A farmhouse ale with a rustic and fruity character, often brewed to be enjoyed in the warmer months.

Kölsch: This hybrid combines aspects of both ale and lager, creating a delicate balance of flavors.

Lambic: Wild and spontaneously fermented, Lambics have a unique, sour character that sets them apart.

Gose: With its sour, salty, and spiced profile, Gose offers something truly unique in the world of beer.

Fruit Beers and Spice Beers: Brewers experiment with fruit and spices to create adventurous and flavorful beers that stand out from traditional styles.

Regional Beer Styles

Beer is deeply tied to the regions where it’s brewed, with local water, climate, and brewing traditions shaping the types of beers and brands that are produced. Regional differences create distinctive styles that reflect the local culture and environment, making each beer a unique expression of its place of origin.

German Beers: From Märzen to Rauchbier, Germany’s beer tradition is rich and deeply rooted in history.

Belgian Beers: Abbey Ales, Trappist Ales, and strong ales like Quadrupel showcase Belgium’s monastic brewing heritage.

American Craft Beers: The modern craft movement in the U.S. is a hotbed of innovation, creating bold and new flavors.

British Ales: Classic British beers like Bitter, Mild, and ESB have been staples for generations.

Other International Styles: From Japan to Mexico, lesser-known beer traditions are emerging, offering new tastes and experiences.

Exploring the World of Different Types of Beer

Centuries of brewing tradition have led to the diverse range of flavors, aromas, and craftsmanship that beer offers today. Brewing is a unique blend of art and science, and the finest brewers have perfected both. This mastery makes exploring the different types of beer available today even more exciting and worthwhile. For a wide selection of options, be sure to visit DNYC.