10 Beer Styles You Should Know and Love

When you explore the world of craft beer, you quickly realize the wide range of flavors, textures, and smells available to discover. This variety is organized into what we call beer styles. These styles act as a guide, helping enthusiasts navigate through a wide selection of beers, each with its own story and sensory characteristics.

The Beer Styles Study Guide, provided by Silos Brewing Company, is an essential resource for any beer lover looking to deepen their knowledge of craft beer styles. It breaks down the intricate details that differentiate one beer from another, allowing you to understand the subtle nuances that contribute to a beer’s unique character.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 10 fundamental beer styles that are at the heart of the craft beer world. You’ll learn about their key features, uncover the origins behind them, and discover notable examples that perfectly represent each style. Whether you’re an experienced enthusiast or new to the scene, this journey will expand your beer knowledge and maybe introduce you to some new favorites.

1. What Are Beer Styles?

When you hear the term beer style, think of it as a blueprint for what to expect in your glass. This concept is not just about categorizing beer; it’s about creating a shared language between brewers and drinkers. A beer style definition includes various factors that, when combined, give each beer its unique identity.

Classification of beer styles revolves around:

• Ingredients: The type of malts, hops, yeast, and any additional elements like fruits or spices.
• Brewing Techniques: The specific processes that impact the beer’s flavor, color, and mouthfeel—such as fermentation temperature or barrel aging.
• Regional Influences: The geographical origin often dictates traditional ingredients and brewing methods that are typical for an area.

For instance, consider the famed German Pilsner versus the robust Irish Stout. Each represents a culmination of local tastes, traditions, and available resources. The Pilsner showcases a golden hue with a crisp finish attributed to specific malt and hop varieties from Germany. In contrast, the Irish Stout delivers a dark color with roasted flavors—a result of Ireland’s penchant for deeply kilned barley and the historical evolution of brewing in the region.

By understanding these classifications, you can better appreciate the diversity within the world of beer. You get to explore not only the sensory aspects but also delve into the cultural tapestry that has woven each style into existence.

2. Why It’s Important to Understand Beer Styles

When you learn about beer, you open yourself up to a world full of different kinds of beer that are both varied and complex. It’s not just about enjoying craft beer anymore; it becomes an immersive experience. Here’s why understanding beer styles is so important:

1. Making Informed Choices

Knowing about beer styles gives you the confidence to make choices when you’re looking at menus or browsing through shelves at the store. You can find the right kind of beer for any occasion based on your preferences or curiosity, whether you want something light and refreshing or dark and strong.

2. Enhancing Your Food Experience

Just like wine, certain beers go well with certain foods. Understanding beer styles helps you pick out the perfect brew that will bring out the flavors of your meal, making your dining experience even better.

3. Exploring Different Cultures

Beer styles often reflect where they come from, carrying with them a lot of history and cultural significance. By learning about these styles, you get to connect with traditions and brewing methods from all over the world.

4. Developing Your Palate

Once you understand what makes a specific style of beer unique, you’ll start noticing the subtle differences in taste, smell, and texture without even thinking about it. This knowledge allows you to truly appreciate the skill and artistry that goes into brewing each glass of beer.

5. Building a Community

The craft beer community thrives on shared experiences and conversations. Being familiar with different styles gives you something to talk about with other enthusiasts, brewers, and bartenders, creating a sense of belonging.

Whether it’s being able to tell the difference between an English Bitter and an American Pale Ale or fully enjoying the fruity flavors in a Belgian Tripel, understanding beer styles adds depth to your drinking experience. And as you continue exploring these styles, remember that each one has its own unique story — from how it was first created to why it’s now sitting in your glass.

The Key Elements of Beer Styles

Understanding the key elements of beer styles is vital for anyone delving into the world of craft beers. These attributes, including Alcohol by Volume (ABV), International Bitterness Units (IBUs), Original Gravity (OG), Final Gravity (FG), and Standard Reference Method (SRM), are not just mere numbers; they encapsulate the essence of a beer’s character and are instrumental in classifying it into its rightful style.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

ABV is a standard measure used worldwide to quantify the amount of alcohol present in a beverage. In terms of beer, ABV can range from as low as 0.5% in some light beers to more than 20% in certain strong ales or lagers.

• Low ABV (<5%): Often found in light lagers like Miller Lite, these beers are typically easy-drinking with a clean finish.
• Moderate ABV (5%-7%): This is typical for many pale ales, including Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, providing a balance between drinkability and flavor depth.
• High ABV (>7%): Beers such as Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA fit into this category, offering bold flavors often with a pronounced hop or malt presence.

International Bitterness Units (IBUs)

IBUs measure the bitterness of beer derived from hops. It’s important to note that perceived bitterness can be influenced by other factors such as sweetness and alcohol content.

• Low IBUs (0-20): Wheat beers and Belgian wits like Hoegaarden typically have low bitterness, emphasizing yeast character over hops.
• Moderate IBUs (20-40): Classic English bitters and American amber ales usually fall within this range, balancing malt sweetness with hop bitterness.
• High IBUs (>40): American IPAs, such as Stone IPA, showcase high IBU levels that highlight aggressive hop flavors and aromas.

Original Gravity (OG)

Original Gravity refers to the density of fermentable sugars present in wort before fermentation. It indicates potential alcohol content and provides an idea about the body or sweetness of the beer.

• Low OG (<1.040): Light-bodied beers like Pilsner Urquell typically have lower OG, resulting in a crisp and refreshing profile.
• Average OG (1.040-1.060): Many pale ales sit here, offering a balance between alcohol content, body, and flavor.
• High OG (>1.060): Stronger styles such as Barleywines start with high OGs leading to rich flavors and higher alcohol levels after fermentation.

Final Gravity (FG)

Final Gravity is measured after fermentation has completed and indicates the amount of unfermented sugars remaining in the beer. This influences mouthfeel and sweetness.

• Low FG (<1.010): Dry beers like Brut IPAs end with low FGs, giving them a sharp finish.
• Medium FG (1.010-1.015): Many balanced beers, including Anchor Steam Beer, land in this range with moderate sweetness.
• High FG (>1.015): Beers with high FGs like Imperial Stouts carry residual sweetness contributing to their full-bodied mouthfeel.

Standard Reference Method (SRM)

The SRM scale quantifies beer color, which can significantly affect a drinker’s perception and expectation of taste.

• Low SRM (2-5): Pale lagers such as Budweiser are on the lighter end of the spectrum implying subtle maltiness.
• Medium SRM (6-14): Amber ales show off medium SRMs suggesting caramel or toasted malt flavors.
• High SRM (>30): Dark beers like stouts have high SRMs; for example, Guinness displays deep roasted qualities linked to its dark coloration.

These elements serve as guidelines within specific styles but do not encapsulate all sensory aspects of beer; brewers often play within these parameters to create variations that push conventional style boundaries yet still provide familiar touchstones for consumers to navigate the diverse world of beer.

With these key elements outlined, you gain insight into what defines each style’s soul—the interplay between strength, bitterness, sweetness, color, and body that gives every brew its unique identity. As we proceed through this guide examining various beer styles, notice how these elements come together to form distinctive drinking experiences that cater to individual preferences across an ever-expanding spectrum of tastes.

10 Essential Beer Styles You Should Know and Love

Light Lager Styles

European Light Lager

• Variety: The European light lager category is quite diverse, with each country contributing its own unique interpretation of the style.
• Pilsner: Pilsner Urquell from Plzeň in the Czech Republic is considered the original pilsner. It has a golden color, balanced hop bitterness, and smooth malt character.
• Dutch Lager: Heineken, another popular light lager, comes from the Netherlands. It has a slightly sweeter taste compared to Czech pilsners but still maintains a clean finish.
• Ingredients: European brewers often use local ingredients and traditional brewing methods that give their lagers distinct regional flavors.

The craft beer knowledge you gain from exploring these light lager styles enhances your understanding of the types of craft beer available worldwide. Whether it’s an American or European brew, each light lager offers its own history and taste experience, solidifying its place in any comprehensive beer guide.

As you continue to learn about different beer styles, it’s important to remember that each one is influenced by cultural preferences, local ingredients, and historical brewing techniques. This appreciation for diversity in brewing will enhance your overall experience as you explore other essential beer styles in this guide.

2. Pale Ale Styles

The pale ale family offers a wide range of beers where hoppy aromas meet balanced bitterness. Within this category, there are several sub-styles that stand out for their popularity and influence.

American Pale Ale

Celebrated for its refreshing take on hops, the American pale ale is a staple in the craft beer world. This style is known for its strong flavors derived from American-grown hops, which often bring out citrus or pine notes. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale was the first to popularize this style and continues to be a classic example. Other notable mentions include Stone IPA, which showcases a bold hoppy profile synonymous with the style.

English Pale Ale

Originating from the British Isles, English pale ales are recognized for their balanced characteristics. While they still have some hop bitterness, it is less intense compared to other styles, allowing the malt’s biscuity and sometimes caramel-like sweetness to shine through. Fuller’s London Pride is a perfect representation of this style, offering a taste of traditional English brewing heritage in every pint.

India Pale Ale (IPA)

The IPA is arguably one of the most diverse and beloved styles within the pale ale family. It has undergone various transformations, resulting in unique variations with distinct features.

• West Coast IPAs are famous for their clear appearance and strong hop bitterness.
• New England IPAs differ with their hazy appearance and emphasis on hop flavor and aroma rather than intense bitterness.

The history and evolution of IPAs are fascinating, showcasing both brewing innovation and evolving consumer preferences. Exploring these styles in depth allows you to truly understand their individual characteristics and appreciate the craftsmanship behind each brew.

By familiarizing yourself with these different types of pale ales, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of craft beer as a whole. This knowledge will boost your confidence when reading beer guides or referring to beer style charts, enabling you to make informed choices based on your personal preferences.

3. Stout and Porter Styles

When exploring the world of dark beers, Stout and Porter stand out as two highly satisfying styles, each with its own unique characteristics. Both have a fascinating history where their deep color and bold flavors won over beer enthusiasts around the globe.

Stout:

• Characteristics: Usually has a darker, almost black color with flavors that range from coffee to chocolate, and a smooth texture.
• Imperial Stout: A stronger version of traditional stouts; this style is famous for its high alcohol content and intense flavors. Founders KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout) delights with its coffee and chocolate notes aged in bourbon barrels, while Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout stands out for its rich, intricate layers developed through extensive barrel aging.

Porter:

• Baltic Porter: This style draws inspiration from English porters but is influenced by Russian preferences, resulting in a lagered beer with sweet malty flavors and a higher alcohol content. The story of Baltic Porter is intertwined with the trade routes on the Baltic Sea, where this deep, flavorful beer became a beloved favorite.
• London Porter: As one of the classic porter styles, it offers a medium body with hints of caramel, chocolate, and coffee. Iconic examples such as Fuller’s London Porter and Anchor Brewing’s interpretation of porter demonstrate the timeless appeal of this historic brew.

Understanding these styles within the beer style guide allows you to expand your knowledge of craft beer and recognize the variety that different types of craft beer bring. These choices not only represent important categories on the beer styles chart but also honor the traditions that have influenced brewing throughout history.

4. Belgian Ale Styles

Belgian ale styles are a showcase of the rich variety that beer offers, with each style providing a unique experience rooted in both tradition and innovation. These beers are known for their distinct flavors driven by yeast and their spicy undertones, setting them apart from other beer categories.

Belgian Witbier

This style is famous for being refreshing. Witbiers use specific yeasts that bring out bright citrus flavors and subtle spices, making them light and easy to drink. Two well-known examples of this style are:

• Hoegaarden Witbier: This classic witbier has a cloudy appearance and hints of coriander and orange peel.
• Allagash White: An American craft beer take on the traditional witbier, it combines the usual spices with a creamy texture.

Abbey Dubbel

Moving towards darker beers, we have the Abbey Dubbel. These beers have a more complex flavor profile, typically featuring a combination of rich malty sweetness and dark fruit notes. One standout example is:

• Chimay Première: This beer showcases the depth of the Abbey Dubbel style with its flavors of ripe plum and toasted bread, along with a noticeable alcohol presence.

Belgian Tripel

The Tripel category takes us into stronger beer territory with its higher alcohol content, which is well-balanced by its golden bubbly appearance. Known for its blend of sweetness and spiciness, Belgian Tripels often have hints of banana, clove, and sometimes even a touch of bubblegum flavor from the unique yeast strains used. A highly regarded representation of this style is:

• Westmalle Tripel: Not only is it an excellent example of a Belgian Tripel, but it’s also often seen as the original benchmark for this revered style.

Each Belgian ale style offers a different perspective within the wide range of beer styles available. From light to dark, sweet to spicy, these styles are crucial components of any comprehensive beer guide and can enhance your understanding and enjoyment of craft beer.

5. Wheat Beer Styles

Wheat beer styles are known for their smooth and creamy texture, often with flavors like banana or clove, which come from special yeast strains. These beers usually look cloudy because of the wheat proteins and are loved for being refreshing.

German Hefeweizen

This classic style comes from Bavaria and is a must-try for wheat beer lovers. The Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier is a perfect example, with its balanced mix of fruity banana flavors and spicy clove undertones. The fizzy bubbles make it even better.

Belgian Witbier

In Belgium, the witbier style is famous for its tangy citrus taste and coriander spiciness. Hoegaarden Witbier is a great choice if you want to experience this style, with its tartness and creamy texture. It stands out from German wheat beers because of the added orange peel and spices during brewing.

American Wheat Beer

The American version of wheat beer aims for a more easygoing flavor. Bell’s Oberon represents this category well, with its clean and mellow taste that doesn’t have strong yeast flavors. Unlike European wheat beers, American ones focus more on subtle hop flavors instead of fruity or spicy notes. This makes them versatile options that go well with many types of food.

By learning about these different wheat beer styles, you’ll understand how various regions use the same main ingredients—wheat and yeast—to make completely different drinking experiences. Whether you prefer the bold fruity flavors of German Hefeweizen, the lively spiciness of Belgian Witbier, or the milder hoppy taste of American Wheat Beer, there’s a wheat brew out there for every beer lover.

Conclusion

Exploring craft beer styles is a fulfilling journey that continues to evolve as you develop your taste preferences. The Beer Styles Study Guide is an invaluable resource, offering a wealth of knowledge about the complex flavors and fascinating histories of each style.

Remember:

• Get actively involved in your exploration of craft beer styles. Attend tasting events, join beer clubs, and connect with other enthusiasts.
• Expand your understanding through reading. Books like “Tasting Beer” by Randy Mosher offer deep insights that can enhance your appreciation for the nuances of craft beer.
• Stay curious and receptive. Every sip might uncover a new flavor profile or surprising element that captures your attention.

Here’s to the diverse world of beer styles waiting to be discovered—may your journey be filled with endless enjoyment and learning. Cheers to the wonderful world of craft beer styles, a journey that only grows richer with every taste!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What Are Beer Styles?

Explain the concept of beer styles and how they serve as a framework for categorizing different brews based on shared characteristics. Discuss the key factors that contribute to defining a beer style, such as ingredients, brewing techniques, and regional influences.

Why Understanding Beer Styles Matters

Highlight the benefits of having a good understanding of beer styles, including the ability to make informed choices when selecting beers and the enhanced enjoyment of tasting experiences.

What are the Key Elements of Beer Styles?

Explain how elements such as Alcohol by volume (ABV), International Bitterness Units (IBUs), Original Gravity (OG), Final Gravity (FG), and Standard Reference Method (SRM) contribute to the overall character of a beer and are often used as guidelines within specific styles.

What are the 10 Essential Beer Styles You Should Know and Love?

Provide an overview of light lager styles, pale ale styles, stout and porter styles, Belgian ale styles, and wheat beer styles. Each section should include a brief explanation of the style along with notable examples.

What are Light Lager Styles?

Give an overview of light lager styles with their refreshing profiles and pale, crisp flavors. Include an in-depth look at popular American light lager style and European light lagers such as Pilsner Urquell and Heineken.

What are Pale Ale Styles?

Introduce the concept of showcasing a curated list of essential beer styles that represent a diverse range of flavors and cultural influences. Provide an overview of the pale ale family with a focus on hop-forward aromas and balanced bitterness. Showcase iconic styles like American Pale Ale, English Pale Ale, and India Pale Ale (IPA).