So you have your favorite beer, but what is it exactly? Pale, IPA, Brown Ale? What is the difference? Following is a list of terminology and styles to make you a fully educated beer drinker!!
Lager vs. Ale: A lager is made using bottom-fermenting yeast and at cooler temps than ale, creating a smooth, crisp taste.
Pale Ale: A milder version of an IPA, a pale ale generally still presents a strong hop flavor and bitterness.
IPA: Originally brewed in England to ship to India, IPA's are characterized by very strong hops.
Brown Ale: A mild beer, usually with a hint of sweetness and a brown color.
Amber Ale: Amber actually describes the color of the beer, rather than the style, but most are malty and smooth.
Pilsner: A lager style beer that is presents a strong hop aroma and a crisp finish.
Porter: A dark ale with a strong malt character.
Stout: Very dark, with strong malt flavors. Usually tend to express either coffee or chocolate flavors.
Bock: A German lager, usually very strong and dark, brewed in the spring. Doppelbock literally means "double-bock", and is even stronger.
Cider: A fermented beverage made from fruit, usually apples.
Lambic: A Belgian style that is spontaneously fermented from yeast in the air and made with fruit.
Weizen: A wheat beer that is unfiltered and cloudy.
Nitro: Nitrogen beers are poured with nitrogen gas rather than CO2, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
