How Many Different Kinds of Beer Are There
Beer is one of the oldest beverages in the world. For centuries, brewers from numerous cultures have been experimenting with ingredients and flavors in order to make their own unique contribution. Whether you’re a suds novice or a super-fan, why not grab your favorite beverage and take a few minutes to learn more about this fascinating libation?
CATEGORIES OF BEER
In general, beer falls into two large groups: ale and lager. What sets them apart is the kind of yeast their brewers use. Lager yeast, for example, was only scientifically identified a little more than a century ago in 1904 and does best in colder climates. Common popular lagers include Sapporo, Heineken, Budweiser and Tsing Tao. By contrast, ale yeast has been known by scientists for at least 500 years and thrives best in warmer temperatures. When it comes to the production of ale, many brewers use hops, which aid in production and add a bitter taste that contrasts pleasantly with the sweetness of the malt.
MOST POPULAR TYPES OF ALES
One of the best known ales is traditional brown, which got its start in the porters and stouts that were popular in 18th-century England. After the invention of the drum malt roaster 100 years later, the term “brown ale” has come to refer specifically to beer that is not brewed with the black malt used in that particular roasting process.
Pale ale has become especially sought after since the 1980s and has many varieties. In the U.S., the most popular are both aromatic and slightly bitter to the taste.
India pale ale got its start about 200 years ago in England and became the favorite of many East India Company brass, who exported it to their subcontinental outposts. That is where this bitter concoction with a strong taste of hops got its name.
TYPES OF LAGERS
As with ales, there are several popular lagers. Pale lagers, sometimes erroneously called pilsners, are the most popular type of beer in the world, tracing their roots back to mid-19th century Germany. Genuine pilsners are more carbonated and possess a hoppier aroma although they originated roughly at the same time and in the same part of the world. Dark lagers are sometimes mistaken for stout or porter because of their appearance. However, dark lager is lighter-bodied, with the hops flavor having more of a prominence.
This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to types of beers. Other notables include stouts, porters, Belgians, wheat beers and wild ales. One of the true joys for beer lovers is trying their favorite beverage in its many variations. One of the best ways to do this is to join a beer of the month club. Once you do, you will receive a carefully selected choice of brews that you have probably never tried before. If one of them tickles your fancy and your taste buds, you can certainly purchase it and make it a part of your growing collection.
