Pilsners, pale ales, stouts, and lagers are just some of the many different types of beer we drink. Communities from all over the world revere beer for its versatility (and ability to make any gathering 100% more fun). It can be paired with meals, served at parties, and of course, shared ice-cold with your buddies on any random night. Here are some of the types of beer you should try the next time you’re thinking of cracking open a cold one.
Different Types of Beer: A Drink for Every Occasion
Lager
American Lager
The American lager is one of the country’s favorite types of beer. It has an extremely clear, golden yellow color. Like most beers, it’s best served cold, around 38 to 40°F to be exact. This is best paired with salty snacks like cheese, pizza, and chips. Some American lagers you might have tried include Budweiser, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Yuengling Premium.
Pilsner
The Pilsner beer is also among the most popular types of beer in America, Germany, and many other countries. It has a hoppy, slightly malty flavor and ABV of 4.5% to 5.5%. Sixpoint The Crisp, Half Acre Pony, Schell’s Pilsner, and North Coast Scrimshaw are just some of the Pilsners you might have seen at your local pub. Make sure your cooler is stocked with a few of these at next backyard cookout.
Bock
The Bock includes some of the strongest types of lager in the country. You might recognize its dark brown color and strong malt flavor. It has an ABV ranging from 5.5% to 7.5%. Some styles of Bock include the traditional bock, maibock, doppelbock, eisbock, and weizenbock. Since Bock has a strong bitter flavor, you might want to pair it with something sweet, like corn, to refresh your palate.
Dunkel
Dunkel is one of the darkest lager beers. Its color ranges from amber to dark red. While it may look similar to the Bock, it has a much lower ABV. In fact, its ABV ranges from 4% to 5.5% and it has a less bitter, slightly sweeter flavor.
Ale
Pale Ale
People love Pale Ale for its great balance between maltiness and hoppiness. It has an ABV ranging from 4.7% to 7%. What sets the Pale Ale apart from the others is its diversity. There are multiple Pale Ales you can explore. In fact, many craft beers drew inspiration from this classic style of beer. The next time you decide to grab a Pale Ale, you can try out Bass Ale, Boddington’s Pub Ale, Pyramid Pale Ale, and Young’s Bitter, among others.
India Pale Ale
India Pale Ales are one of the best-selling craft style beers in the country. These are famous for their hops, aroma, and strong, bitter taste. It has an ABV of around 5.5% to 7.5%, depending on the brand. If you’re looking for some India Pale Ale beer brands, you can try something from Sierra Nevada, Dogfish Head, Brooklyn Brewery, or Lagunitas Brewing Company.
English Bitter Ale
What separates the English Bitter Ale from other mild brews is their pale malts and hops. It has a gold-to-copper color and is known for having a fruity aroma. It’s a light-tasting beer with an ABV ranging from 3% to 5%.
Stout
The Stout is a dark beer with a strong, malty flavor, and a sweet note. It has an ABV of 4.2% to 5.9%. Similar to the India Pale Ale, the Stout is also a popular choice among craft-beer fans. Guinness, Dupont Brewery, Bell’s Brewery, and Anderson Valley Brewing are just some of the companies that make great Stout beer.
Let this infographic be your guide. Download it now and use it as a reference later.
Check out this video for 4 easy beer cocktails to make with your favorite beer:
This is just a simple guide on the different types of beer available for you to drink. Guys often have a go-to that suits their personality, so it’s always a good idea to explore the other options (like you needed more reasons). As long as you know how to hold your drink, there’s nothing stopping you from learning to become a beer connoisseur!
What types of beer do you usually drink? Share them in the comments section below!
Let Us Know What You Think