The Two Main Types
If it’s beer, it’s either an ale or a lager. And by learning about both, you’ll be even more ready to pair your plates with delicious pints.
They’re brewed differently
Ales and lagers are different from the start. Different strains of yeast and different fermentation temperatures are used during the brewing process.
They taste different, too.
Ales and lagers are also categorized by aroma, appearance, flavor, mouthfeel and finish—which all come from the ingredients used during the brewing process. These two types can be further broken down into beer styles. As you can see here, beer styles are a combination of the flavors, aromas, alcohol levels and colors each style brings to the table.
Need a fermentation refresh?
Take a look at The Brewing Process to learn more
ALES
Brewed using:
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Top-fermenting yeast strains
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Warm temperatures
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A shorter fermentation process than lagers
Flavor
Robust, full, complex and fruity
Best Serving Temperature
Generally speaking, cool, around 45°F, rather than cold. But other styles have ideal serving temps that are warmer or colder.
Ale Styles
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American Pale Ale
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American Brown Ale
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Porter
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American Stout
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Hefeweizen
LAGERS
Brewed using:
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Bottom-fermenting yeast strains
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Colder temperatures
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A longer fermentation process than ales
Flavor
Clean, crisp and smooth
Best Serving Temperature
Generally speaking, at a cooler temperature than ales, around 38°F. But other styles have ideal serving temps that are warmer or colder.
Lager Styles
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German Pilsner
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American Light Lager
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International Dark Lager
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Doppelock
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Märzen/Oktoberfest
