When today’s beer lovers enthusiastically embrace the diverse colors, aromas and flavors available in a wide variety of beer styles, they pay homage to thousands of years of brewing. Beer’s history traces as far back as ancient Egypt, and writings indicate early brewers named and crafted different styles of beer for different occasions, from festivals to funerals. Egyptian beer, however, was likely a far cry from the tastes and styles known today, which originated in Europe.
In 1977, late British beer writer and historian (not the singer) Michael Jackson originated the modern concept of beer-style organization in his book The World Guide to Beer. His classifications traced the evolution and history of beer, tying various styles categorically to their origins through history and regions of the world. Today that list includes more than 100 defined and named beer styles.
As an ever-growing number of New World brewers crafts their own interpretations of these styles and takes the art in new and authentic directions, industry organizations provide ever-increasing resources for brewers large and small. The Brewers Association and the Beer Judge Certification Program publish style guidelines for beer judging. And beer-enthusiast websites, such as BeerAdvocate.com, CraftBeer.com and RateBeer.com, provide user-friendly beer information, including beer styles and consumer ratings.
These resources support new and diverse beer styles that add color and flavor to the ever-growing palette that is beer-making today.
When today’s beer lovers enthusiastically embrace the diverse colors, aromas and flavors available in a wide variety of beer styles, they pay homage to thousands of years of brewing. Beer’s history traces as far back as ancient Egypt, and writings indicate early brewers named and crafted different styles of beer for different occasions, from festivals to funerals. Egyptian beer, however, was likely a far cry from the tastes and styles known today, which originated in Europe.
In 1977, late British beer writer and historian (not the singer) Michael Jackson originated the modern concept of beer-style organization in his book The World Guide to Beer. His classifications traced the evolution and history of beer, tying various styles categorically to their origins through history and regions of the world. Today that list includes more than 100 defined and named beer styles.
As an ever-growing number of New World brewers crafts their own interpretations of these styles and takes the art in new and authentic directions, industry organizations provide ever-increasing resources for brewers large and small. The Brewers Association and the Beer Judge Certification Program publish style guidelines for beer judging. And beer-enthusiast websites, such as BeerAdvocate.com, CraftBeer.com and RateBeer.com, provide user-friendly beer information, including beer styles and consumer ratings.
These resources support new and diverse beer styles that add color and flavor to the ever-growing palette that is beer-making today.
Ale vs. Lager
Beer styles generally fall into one of two categories: ale or lager (pronounced “logger,” meaning “to store” in German). The primary difference between the two categories is the yeast used to brew the beer.
Ale yeast strains tend to ferment at warmer temperatures (59°-69°F), resulting in a shorter fermentation and aging process than that of lager. Ale yeasts also can produce esters – aroma and flavor compounds – during fermentation, which often impart the fruity and sometimes spicy characteristics for which ales are generally known.
Lager yeast strains, on the other hand, ferment at cooler temperatures (45°-60°F) for a longer fermentation and aging process. Cooler temperatures stifle ester production, producing lager’s cleaner, smoother profile.
Beyond the science of lager vs. ale, getting to know the many styles of beer begins a journey through a world of aromas, flavors, textures and complexity, similar to that of wine or spirits.
Ranging from the most popular beer styles to esoteric and emerging creations within the ale and lager categories, the variety of beer styles puts us on an exciting voyage. Whether it’s light lager, Irish Stout, wheat beers or that go-to favorite in the back of the fridge, this is the starting point for your discovery of tastes and experiences that will give an entirely new meaning to “I’ll have a cold one.”
Ale vs. Lager
Beer styles generally fall into one of two categories: ale or lager (pronounced “logger,” meaning “to store” in German). The primary difference between the two categories is the yeast used to brew the beer.
Ale yeast strains tend to ferment at warmer temperatures (59°-69°F), resulting in a shorter fermentation and aging process than that of lager. Ale yeasts also can produce esters – aroma and flavor compounds – during fermentation, which often impart the fruity and sometimes spicy characteristics for which ales are generally known.
Lager yeast strains, on the other hand, ferment at cooler temperatures (45°-60°F) for a longer fermentation and aging process. Cooler temperatures stifle ester production, producing lager’s cleaner, smoother profile.
Beyond the science of lager vs. ale, getting to know the many styles of beer begins a journey through a world of aromas, flavors, textures and complexity, similar to that of wine or spirits.
Ranging from the most popular beer styles to esoteric and emerging creations within the ale and lager categories, the variety of beer styles puts us on an exciting voyage. Whether it’s light lager, Irish Stout, wheat beers or that go-to favorite in the back of the fridge, this is the starting point for your discovery of tastes and experiences that will give an entirely new meaning to “I’ll have a cold one.”
Let’s test your perceptions with a Beer Quiz. True or false? 1. Pale, golden-colored beers are all very light-bodied, low in flavor and best served ice-cold.False! Pale-colored beers run the flavor gamut, from crisp to fruity to malty to hoppy to complex. They span the range of recommended serving temperatures and can pair well with much more than pizza and wings.2. Dark beers are all full-bodied and bitter in flavor.False! Dark-colored beers range from light- to full-bodied, and have flavor elements ranging from sweet malts to roasted malts to hop spicing. They can also be balanced and even quite complex, fantastic for pairing with dessert.3. There is a beer that exists representing a style you don’t know, and this beer, and perhaps others, will bring positive enlightenment to what you think of when you think beer. It is possible to have such a beer epiphany. Your world view of beer can expand well beyond previous conceptions.True!
