Beginner’s Guide To Beer
“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. It’s impossible to say which type is best, because they all have very different characteristics. You’d be surprised at how a pilsner can differ from a porter, or how a stout stands out from a cider.
The method of brewing tends to be somewhat similar for most commercially produced beers. However, the names given to different styles of beer generally reflect individual characteristics of the product, such as where it originated. Taste, appearance and aroma are just some of the qualities that make different beers unique.
Some common favorites include these:
Lager: Some of the most popular types of beer are lagers. These include American styles including basic lager, all-malt lager, light lager, double pilsner, malt liquor and low-alcohol or “light” beers. Germany and the Czech Republic are seen as the international leaders in the production of them.
Ale: This includes brown ale, American amber, porter and wild ales. 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. Favorites include standard cider, New England cider and many specialty ciders.
Hybrids: This term refers to experimental brewing methods and ingredients. Berbed, smoked, fruit and vegetable beer and spiced beer are all types of hybrids.
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!.
Tags: Alcohol, alcoholic drinks, Beer, drinks, types of beer
