"Beer" is the casual term used to describe a cold refreshing alcoholic beverage made of malt and hops. However, beer lovers around the world will heartily agree that there's nothing generic about beer.
When it comes to types of beer, there are many, many options to choose from. The amount of differing characteristics that can be found is surprising, with most people having a favorite type even if they are not aware of it. You'd be surprised at how a pilsner can differ from a porter, or how a stout stands out from a cider.
Most beers, particularly those sold commercially, are processed using similar methods. However, there are enough slight variations on the basic brewing process for each type of beer to have individual characteristics. Taste, appearance and aroma are just some of the qualities that make different beers unique.
Some common favorites include these:
Lager: Some of the world's most popular beer brands are lagers. Incorporated within this type of beer are American styles such as double pilsner, all-malt and 'light' beers. Popular international choices include Czech, European, Japanese and German lagers.
Ale: American amber, brown ale, porter, strong, sour and wild ales are also common American beers. Also falling under the category of "Ales" are Chile Beer, Pumpkin Ale, Belgian and French ales, English, German, Irish, Finnish, Scottish and Russian ales.
Cider: Not a beer in the strictest sense of the word but most beer drinkers wouldn't mind it being called so. Cider brewed from traditional English farms is a particular favorite of many.
Hybrids: Combining different beer styles or ingredients create this "experimental" beer. Sub-categories include smoked, spiced, fruit and vegetable beer.
Those are the essentials that every serious beer drinker should have already ticked off their beer list. If you're a beer drinker, you're likely loyal to a tried and true brand, but remember that variety is the spice of life. Next time you're in a beer drinking mood, try something different!. - 30241
When it comes to types of beer, there are many, many options to choose from. The amount of differing characteristics that can be found is surprising, with most people having a favorite type even if they are not aware of it. You'd be surprised at how a pilsner can differ from a porter, or how a stout stands out from a cider.
Most beers, particularly those sold commercially, are processed using similar methods. However, there are enough slight variations on the basic brewing process for each type of beer to have individual characteristics. Taste, appearance and aroma are just some of the qualities that make different beers unique.
Some common favorites include these:
Lager: Some of the world's most popular beer brands are lagers. Incorporated within this type of beer are American styles such as double pilsner, all-malt and 'light' beers. Popular international choices include Czech, European, Japanese and German lagers.
Ale: American amber, brown ale, porter, strong, sour and wild ales are also common American beers. Also falling under the category of "Ales" are Chile Beer, Pumpkin Ale, Belgian and French ales, English, German, Irish, Finnish, Scottish and Russian ales.
Cider: Not a beer in the strictest sense of the word but most beer drinkers wouldn't mind it being called so. Cider brewed from traditional English farms is a particular favorite of many.
Hybrids: Combining different beer styles or ingredients create this "experimental" beer. Sub-categories include smoked, spiced, fruit and vegetable beer.
Those are the essentials that every serious beer drinker should have already ticked off their beer list. If you're a beer drinker, you're likely loyal to a tried and true brand, but remember that variety is the spice of life. Next time you're in a beer drinking mood, try something different!. - 30241
About the Author:
Luke Porter is a home beer brewing expert, and you are invited to discover the simple secrets of brewing world class beer from the comfort of your home by visiting his website: http://homebeerbrewingsecrets.com/
