The Characteristics Of Different Beer Types
- By Steven Hooch
- Published 11/18/2011
- Food and Drink
- Unrated
It should be emphasised that there are only two styles of beer, namely, ales and lagers. Even the hybrids of these two beer styles can eventually be classified into either ale or lager with the main criterion being the type of yeast used.
Differences in Beer Styles Explained:
Why discuss the differences in these two beer styles? Common sense reveals the reason: Knowledge of the beer style enhances the appreciation of the flavours, aromas and textures for the beer being savoured by the palate. Basically, the differences between ales and lagers boil down to three factors. First, ales use top-fermenting yeast while lagers utilize bottom-fermenting yeast. Second, lagers are brewed at lower temperatures of 45 degrees to 55 degrees F while ales taste best when brewed at higher temperatures of 60 degrees to 72 degrees F. Third, the fermentation period and temperature are different - lagers are aged longer and at lower temperatures than ales.
Both are beers, of course, but there are many differences between the two in terms of flavour, aroma and textures as well as in appearances including colour, head and lace. Lagers are then best served cold and are characterised by light aroma, flavour and a refreshing finish. Ales are often served at room temperature and are often more flavourful, aromatic and complex. With that being said, the descriptions of the following examples of ales and lagers can be appreciated on a deeper level. Keep in mind that within each main type can be found numerous sub-types, of which only a few can be discussed here.
Examples of Ales:
Altbier is a copper-coloured beer made from dark malts and with plenty of hops. Its flavour is cleaner and crispier than other a
les because of its lengthier fermentation period.
Amber ale has a coppery-brown clear colour although certain dry-hopped varieties can be slightly clouded. Its flavours are well-balanced between malt and hops coupled with sweet caramel undertones.
American pale ale has pale golden to deep amber colour. Its hop flavour ranges from moderate to high with the characteristic citrusy American hop undertones. Its malt character is described as bready and toasty, but not sweet.
Belgian IPAs use a wide variety of malts, American hops and Belgian yeast to produce beers with high levels of bitterness. There is a pronounced dry edge in the tradition of Belgian ale. Think of crossing India pale ale with a Belgian triple.
Porters have light brown to dark brown colours with a ruby tint. Hops are virtually non-existent although bittering hops may also be added to add balance to the brew. The taste evokes roasted malt coupled with dark chocolate and undertones of coffee and licorice.
Examples of Lagers:
The American dark lager has a darker colour and heavier body than the pale lager. The dark coloration can be the result of either roasted malts or dark caramel syrups, thus, explaining the mild sweetness.
The bock beers come in deep amber to dark brown colour with medium to full bodies. These beers are characterised by a rich malty flavour with a caramel taste, thanks to the Munich and Vienna malts.
Bohemian/Czech pilsner are crisp, clean and refreshing with a slight grassy taste. Don't expect fruit and ester flavours. All pilsners tend to have light straw to golden colours. The pilsner taste comes from the Saaz hops used.
So, which one is your poison, so to speak? It's all about your personal taste as there is no beer greater or lesser than the others for as long as it is brewed to perfection.
Differences in Beer Styles Explained:
Why discuss the differences in these two beer styles? Common sense reveals the reason: Knowledge of the beer style enhances the appreciation of the flavours, aromas and textures for the beer being savoured by the palate. Basically, the differences between ales and lagers boil down to three factors. First, ales use top-fermenting yeast while lagers utilize bottom-fermenting yeast. Second, lagers are brewed at lower temperatures of 45 degrees to 55 degrees F while ales taste best when brewed at higher temperatures of 60 degrees to 72 degrees F. Third, the fermentation period and temperature are different - lagers are aged longer and at lower temperatures than ales.
Both are beers, of course, but there are many differences between the two in terms of flavour, aroma and textures as well as in appearances including colour, head and lace. Lagers are then best served cold and are characterised by light aroma, flavour and a refreshing finish. Ales are often served at room temperature and are often more flavourful, aromatic and complex. With that being said, the descriptions of the following examples of ales and lagers can be appreciated on a deeper level. Keep in mind that within each main type can be found numerous sub-types, of which only a few can be discussed here.
Examples of Ales:
Altbier is a copper-coloured beer made from dark malts and with plenty of hops. Its flavour is cleaner and crispier than other a
Amber ale has a coppery-brown clear colour although certain dry-hopped varieties can be slightly clouded. Its flavours are well-balanced between malt and hops coupled with sweet caramel undertones.
American pale ale has pale golden to deep amber colour. Its hop flavour ranges from moderate to high with the characteristic citrusy American hop undertones. Its malt character is described as bready and toasty, but not sweet.
Belgian IPAs use a wide variety of malts, American hops and Belgian yeast to produce beers with high levels of bitterness. There is a pronounced dry edge in the tradition of Belgian ale. Think of crossing India pale ale with a Belgian triple.
Porters have light brown to dark brown colours with a ruby tint. Hops are virtually non-existent although bittering hops may also be added to add balance to the brew. The taste evokes roasted malt coupled with dark chocolate and undertones of coffee and licorice.
Examples of Lagers:
The American dark lager has a darker colour and heavier body than the pale lager. The dark coloration can be the result of either roasted malts or dark caramel syrups, thus, explaining the mild sweetness.
The bock beers come in deep amber to dark brown colour with medium to full bodies. These beers are characterised by a rich malty flavour with a caramel taste, thanks to the Munich and Vienna malts.
Bohemian/Czech pilsner are crisp, clean and refreshing with a slight grassy taste. Don't expect fruit and ester flavours. All pilsners tend to have light straw to golden colours. The pilsner taste comes from the Saaz hops used.
So, which one is your poison, so to speak? It's all about your personal taste as there is no beer greater or lesser than the others for as long as it is brewed to perfection.
Steven Hooch
Steven Hooch is a leading connoisseur for a variety of fine wines and ales. He has been sharing his insights and reviews for over 11 years striving to provide expert advice and information on a wide range of alcoholic beverages including beer.
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