Yoko, a European beer loverI want to try a different beer than usual, but I don't know which one to choose!
What types of beer are there?
We will answer these questions.
- What is a beer style?
- The main styles of beer and their differences
- How to choose the right beer style for you
I've lived abroad and tried many different kinds of beer. In Europe in particular, I have had many opportunities to experience a diverse beer culture that is different from Japan's. Based on what I learned there, I will explain the different types of beer. After reading this, choosing your next beer should be much more fun.
Author: MyakoOne evening, I went to a small pub in Europe with a friend and tried some local lagers and ales. I was surprised by the difference between the refreshing bitterness of the lager and the fruity, deep flavor of the ale, and it reminded me of the depth of beer.
That experience sparked my interest in more types of beer and I started trying more and more new styles!
First of all, what is a beer style?
Beer StyleWhat is that?A type of beer classified according to characteristics such as taste, aroma, color, and production method.is.
Beer varies depending on a variety of factors, including ingredients, fermentation method, alcohol content, flavor, and color.
To help you understand these differences, beers are categorized into styles.
First, the bigThere are two main styles: lager and ale..
Furthermore, within these two styles, there are many different beer styles (varieties).
The image below shows some of the main beer styles.
The total number of beer styles varies by definition and region, butThere are over 100 different beer styles in the worldis believed to exist.
This is because there is a wide range of variation depending on brewing methods, ingredients, regional traditions, and historical background.
For example, the international beer judging and guidelines organization "BJCPThe Beer Judge Certification Program categorizes beer styles into over 100 types.
Also,"Craft Beer Association"or"World Beer Cup" also has a detailed classification of styles.
It's difficult to remember all the beer styles, but understanding at least the main ones will help you find a beer that suits your taste.
It also increases the fun of trying new beers.
The difference between the two most common beer styles, "lager" and "ale"
As mentioned above, lager and ale are the two main styles of beer.
These two types have different fermentation temperatures and types of yeast, which means they have very different flavors and aromas.
Below is a comparison table that clearly explains the differences between them.
| item | Lager | Ale |
|---|---|---|
| Fermentation temperature | Fermentation at low temperature (7 to 13℃) | High temperature fermentation (15-24℃) |
| Fermentation Method | Bottom fermentation (yeast sinks to the bottom) | Top fermentation (yeast floats to the top) |
| Fermentation period | Long-term (weeks to months) | Short term (a few days to a few weeks) |
| Taste | Refreshing, clean, sharp taste | Fruity and complex flavour |
| color | Typically pale to golden in color, although black lagers also exist | A wide range of colours (from light to dark) |
| Main beer styles | Pilsner, Helles, Dunkel, Schwarzbier | Pale Ale, IPA, Stout, Weizen |
| General alcohol content | 4〜6% | 4-7% |
| Storage method | Refrigeration required | Can be stored at room temperature (after fermentation) |
| Historical origins | Established in Germany in the 19th century | Traditionally found in ancient Egypt and medieval Europe |
A more detailed list of beer styles
There are many beer styles derived from "lager" and "ale", each with their own unique appeal, and you can enjoy them according to your preference.
The table below shows the main beer styles.Alcohol content, characteristics, representative brandsWe have summarized the following.
The most common lager beer style
| Beer Style | Alcohol content | Features | Representative brands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pilsner (Pilsner) | 4〜5% | A clean hop bitterness and clear taste. Refreshing and light.The most commonly consumed beer style in Japan. | Pilsner Urquell (Czech Republic), Beck's (Germany), Asahi Super Dry |
| Jerez (Helles) | 4.5〜5.5% | It is sweeter than a pilsner and has a stronger malt flavor. It is light and easy to drink. | Augustiner Hellers (Germany) |
| Märzen (Märzen) | 5.0〜6.0% | Characterized by its rich malt flavor and sweetness, this beer is served at Oktoberfest. | Paulaner Oktoberfest (Germany) |
| Dunkel (Dunkel) | 4.5〜5.5% | A dark lager with roasted malt sweetness and caramel flavor. | Franziskaner Dunkel (Germany) |
| Bock (Bock) | 6〜7% | Rich, sweet, and high in alcohol, this beer is popular in the winter. | Iengar Celebrator (Germany) |
| Schwartz (Black) | 4.5〜5% | A dark beer with roasted and chocolatey flavors. | Köstritzer Schwarzbier (Germany) |
| Vienna Lager (Vienna Lager) | 4.5〜5.5% | An amber-colored beer with a well-balanced malt sweetness and light bitterness. | Samuel Adams Boston Lager (USA) |
Ale's signature beer style
| Beer Style | Alcohol content | Features | Representative brands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pale Ale (Pale Ale) | 4.5〜6.0% | Fruity and light with a well-balanced hop and malt flavor. | Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (USA), |
| IPA (India pale ale) | 5.5〜7.5% | Characterized by the strong bitterness of hops and a citrus aroma, this is a classic craft beer. | BrewDog Punk IPA (Scotland) |
| Amber Ale (Amber Ale) | 4.5〜6.0% | An amber-coloured beer with a pronounced malty sweetness balanced by a light bitterness. | Memphis Amber (USA) |
| stout (Stout) | 5-8% | Deep roasted malt flavor with rich coffee and chocolate flavors. | Guinness (Ireland) |
| Porter (Porter) | 5-7% | It's lighter than a stout and has rich caramel and chocolate flavors. | Fuller's London Porter (UK) |
| Weizen (Weizen/Wheat Beer) | 4-5.5% | A wheat beer with a mild flavor and a distinctive banana and clove aroma. | Weihenstephan Hefeweizen (Germany) |
| sour (Sour) | 3〜6% | A fruity beer with a distinctive sour taste. Refreshing flavor. | Cantillon-Geuze (Belgium) |
| Gose (Gose) | 4〜5% | A traditional German beer with a distinctive balance of saltiness and sourness. | Leipzig-Gorse (Germany) |
| Trappist Ale (Trappist Ale) | 6〜12% | Rich and complex in flavor. A traditional Belgian ale brewed in a monastery. | Rochefort (Belgium), Chimay (Belgium) |
Who are these beer styles suitable for? 10 recommended beer styles
- For beginners → Pilsner
It has a refreshing taste, is easy to drink, and pairs well with meals. - For those who want to enjoy the sweetness of malt → Helles
It has a sweet taste and you can feel the richness of the beer. - For those who enjoy autumn flavors and festivals → Märzen
This beer is popular at Oktoberfest and is especially popular in the fall. - For those who like roasted beer → Dunkel
It has a rich flavor of dark malt (malt roasted at high temperatures) and a deep taste. - For those who want a strong flavor → Bock
It's rich and has a high alcohol content, making it perfect for special occasions. - For those looking for a fruity, easy-to-drink beer → Pale Ale
It has a rich hop aroma and a light, easy-to-drink taste. - For hop lovers and craft beer enthusiasts → IPA (India Pale Ale)
It has a strong bitterness and rich aroma, making it ideal for those who enjoy the flavor of hops. - For those who like rich flavors → Stout
It has flavors of roasted malt and chocolate, and can be enjoyed like a dessert. - For those looking for a fruity and refreshing beer → Weizen
Featuring aromas of banana and clove, this beer is perfect for summer. - For those who want to enjoy complex flavors → Trappist Ale
This beer is brewed only in Belgian monasteries and is characterized by its rich, deep flavor. It is perfect for special occasions.
summary
The world of beer is incredibly diverse, and simply knowing the difference between lager and ale will greatly expand the ways you can enjoy it.
Using the beer styles introduced in this article as a reference, we hope you will try some new beers and enjoy the unique flavors and aromas of each one.
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