How to Talk About Beer Like a Pro
 
A dizzying number of drink options are available at any given bar. Knowing what certain
styles of beer taste and look like can make narrowing down a favorite a lot easier.
The major difference between types of beer comes down to the type of yeast used to
ferment it, and also fermenting process. A beer can qualify as either a lager or an ale,
and their specific styles and flavors continue to evolve from there.  
Here’s how to break down beer styles so you sound like a pro at the bar.
 
What is lager?
Lagers are a typical entry point into beer for new drinkers. Made with bottom fermenting
yeast that has a lower tolerance to alcohol, lagers can taste light and a little malty.
Classic lagers in America include Miller High Life, Coors, Budweiser and Yuengling.
They are clean, consistent, well made, and not particularly challenging on the flavor.

What is an IPA?
India Pale Ales (IPAs), which encompass numerous styles of beer, get their characteristics
largely from hops and herbal, citrus or fruity flavors. Some IPAs can taste like pure citrus,
while others are strong and bitter. Prominent IPA styles include West Coast IPA, British IPA
and New England Style IPA. IPAs are usually a beer drinker’s first.We suggests trying out
a variety of IPA types before eventually settling on a couple of favorites.

What is pale ale?
Pale ales are usually hoppy but carry a lower alcohol content than IPAs. Most types
of pale ale, which can include American amber ale, American pale ale, blonde ale
and English pale ale, are malty, medium-bodied and easy to drink.
What is a pilsner?
Pilsners, which originate from the Czech Republic, fall under the lager category.
German pilsners give off a pale gold color and crisp flavor, while Czech pilsners are
a little darker with higher bitterness.
What is a stout beer?
A dark beer, the flavor of stouts depend on where they come from. Sweet stouts largely
originate from Ireland and England and are known for their low bitterness.
stouts are a “sweet, full-bodied, slightly roasty ale that can suggest coffee-and-cream,
or sweetened espresso.” While the darker color of the beer gives the impression it’s
tough to drink, these stouts carry sweetness from unfermented sugars that offset any
bitterness.

What is a porter?
Traditional porters, which can trace their roots to the United Kingdom, are dark in
color like stouts due to common ingredients like chocolate or other dark-roasted
malts. Porters tend to taste less like coffee than stouts, with more of a chocolatey feel.
What is Belgian beer?
Belgian-style flavors. Belgian beers span pale ales, dark ales, fruity beers and sour
ales. we generally defines Belgian-style beers as carrying fruity, spicy and sweet
flavors with a high alcohol content and low bitterness. Belgian Dubbel, which is
somewhat strong and complex, and Belgian Tripel, which is pale, spicy and dry.
Blond ales like Delirium Tremens further add to the strong flavor profile of Belgian beers.

What is wheat beer?
Wheat beers rely on wheat for the malt ingredient, which gives the beverage a light color
and alcohol level that makes it perfect for kicking back with during the summer and for
combining it with fruit, like a slice of lemon or orange. Some wheat beers, with their funky
and tangy flavors, fall under Belgian-style brews while the ones made in the U.S. have a
light flavor that recalls bread.

What is sour beer?
Sour beer has shot up in popularity in the U.S. over the last few years, becoming an
enticing beverage to people looking to branch out their beer palates or to those
wanting to try something new.
 
Trying out a variety of beer types before eventually settling on a couple of favorites.
Thanks for reading!
 
Edited by Amy
[email protected]