There are two main types of beers- Ales and Lagers and their difference stems from the unique yeasts that are used to ferment them. Along with, the temperatures they are fermented at. There is a high chance that you have tried a beer or two once and decided it wasn’t your drink of choice. Since not everyone enjoys a classic beer we have a selection of fruity beers, others with unusual ingredients like cookies and chocolate. So, whether you are a beer connoisseur or a casual beginner, here’s the perfect guide for you to get acquainted with all types of beer.

What is Beer?

Beer is a fermented alcoholic drink usually made from barley malt. It is one of the most popular beverages in the world since it is perfect for a party with your friends or relaxing after a long day at work. A classic beer has four basic ingredients- barley, malt, hops, yeast and water. However, this does not mean all beers taste the same. Brewing methods, ratio of the ingredients and the addition of other flavoring agents can create different styles of beer with their own unique characteristics. 

The History of Beer

Beer brewing originated in ancient Babylonia about 6000 years ago and later made its way to Europe where it became immensely popular. Initially, people were unaware of the presence of yeast or its role in the process of beer brewing and without the addition of yeast, the wild yeast in the air was what fermented the beer. Later, when the role of yeast was discovered, breweries started using specific types of yeast to create different styles of beer. Today, Germany and Belgium are some of the leading producers of world-famous and premium quality beer. There are mainly two types of classic beers – ales and lagers.

How is Beer Made?

The process of brewing beer includes malting, mashing, hopping and fermentation. The process of malting involves roasting germinated barley. This malt is then mixed with hot water in a vessel called mash tun. The liquid resulting from this process is called wort and contains the sugar broken down from the malt. Hops, which give aroma and bitterness to beer, are then added to the wort and boiled. After cooling the wort, yeast is added to kickstart the fermentation that  converts the sugar into alcohol and releases carbon dioxide in the process and by tweaking this process a little, different styles of beers can be created.

Ales

Ale is a type of beer produced using top-fermenting yeast in warmer temperatures of about 60°-70° F. Ales are the oldest type of beer and are famous for their complex and robust flavors. They are very aromatic and tend to have strong, bitter and fruity notes. Ales are known for their hoppy aroma and the presence of higher amounts of esters. The rich flavors of ales popularized craft beers in the U.S. Here are some of the popular forms of ale:

Pale Ale

With a range of colors from amber to pale, this drink is brewed with pale malt and has moderate strength. Originally created in England, pale ales are rich in hop and have a malty flavor. Some of its subsets include amber ale, British Pale Ale, American Pale Ale, blonde ale, Indian Pale Ale, and Belgian-style Pale Ale. They can be enjoyed with a wide range of foods, particularly spicy food.

IPA

India Pale Ales, better known as IPAs, contain a significantly high amount of hops when compared to other pale ales. IPAs were created to preserve British ale for the long journey to Indian colonies by adding more hops. Some of the famous types of IPAs include West Coast IPA, English IPA, New England IPA and Imperial IPA. IPAs are generally stronger and more bitter than pale ales. They have a higher alcohol content with a moderate head. 

Porter

Porters originated in the early 18th century and was initially a blend of different beers. They have notes of chocolate or coffee and are not very bitter. They are usually dark brown and can even be almost black in color. Low in hop and high in malt content, they are sweet and have a creamy and silky texture. The flavor profiles include toffee, caramel, sweet chocolate and nuts.

Stout

Much like porters, stouts are very dark in color. They are bitter, with notes of malt, coffee or toffee and chocolate. Stronger and more full-bodied than porters, stouts smell slightly sweet despite their bitterness. While this dark beer usually tastes dry and roasted, it can be made with unmalted barley as well. Different versions of stout include oatmeal stout, imperial stout and milk stout. 

Wheat Ale

As the name suggests, wheat ale is made from wheat  which makes up a significant portion of the malt in addition to barley. They are usually pale and unfiltered which contributes to their hazy look. Many wheat ales smell like citrus with hints of banana and clove. Densely carbonated, it has sweet and fruity notes. Popular varieties of wheat beers include Belgian witbier, German weissbier and American wheat ale. 

Our most popular classic ales at Little Miami Brewing Company include Buzz Saw (pale ale), Earth Cookie (brown ale), Pterodactyl (Hefeweizen), Magpie Amber (amber ale), Smoke on the Water (smoked porter) and My Dad’s Truck (hazy IPA). 

Lagers

Lagers are one of the most popular beers. They are produced using bottom-fermented yeasts, as opposed to ales. They are easy to drink and the colder temperature (about 35°-50°F) at which it is fermented reduces its flavor profiles, resulting in a clean, crisp finish. Lagers can be aged unlike ales which are supposed to be consumed relatively soon after production. They are less bitter than ales with higher carbonation. Most lagers are best served cold, except for bocks and can be enjoyed at room temperature. They are usually clear due to the aggregating tendency of yeast which deposits at the bottom of the tank after fermentation. 

Pilsner

Originally from the Czech Republic, pilsners are pale lagers. They are easy to drink, with the subtle flavor of barley and hops. Tangy and bitter and usually with a clear, pale golden color. These light-bodied beers are the most popular type of its kind. With the sweet aroma of malt and moderate carbonation, these lagers have a crisp finish. They can be paired with a versatile range of foods but go best with salads, roasted chicken and burgers. 

Helles

With the sweetness of malt and floral notes, this traditional German lager is subtle and approachable. They are delicate and soft, their sweetness balanced by slight bitterness. These dry and refreshing drinks are clear and pale in color. They are balanced and simple lagers that are extremely versatile when it comes to food pairings. 

Bock

This dark and intensely flavored beer has a high level of maltiness but is low on hops. They are required to be kept in cold storage for a period of time. Originating in Germany, they are strong and sweet and pair well with chocolate and Swiss cheese. The different styles of bock include Maibock, Doppelbock, and Eisbock. 

Dunkel

This dark beer has the flavors of chocolate, bread crust and caramel. Dukel, meaning ‘dark’ in German, has the aroma of roasted malt though they are not overly sweet as it is balanced by a moderate bitterness of the hops. This drink which varies from a deep reddish to a rich brown is excellent with grilled meats and roasted vegetables. 

You can find a variety of lagers at Little Miami Brewing Company. Some of our most popular choices include Bike Path (Bohemian pilsner), Unos Más (Mexican lager) and Y’All Be Easy (Dark Mexican lager). 

Specialty and Hybrid Beers

Specialty beers are unique and experimental beers that employ a range of diverse ingredients and brewing techniques. Hybrid beers incorporate the brewing practices of both ales and lagers forming a mix of traditional and innovative styles. Fruits, herbs, spices, hot peppers, honey and maple syrup are some of the beloved ingredients used in brewing specialty beers. These new flavors added to classic styles of beers are being popularized by craft breweries. Some of the trending specialty and hybrid beers include:

Sour Beers 

Sour beer is a type of specialty beer that is tart and mildly acidic. These beers are brewed with wild yeast and lactic acid-producing bacteria that give it its distinctive taste. Sour beers work well with spicy foods, cured meat and strong cheeses. Some popular types of sour beers include Gose, Lambic, Flanders Red Ale, Berliner Weisse and American Wild Ale. 

Barrel-aged Beers

This type of specialty beer has been aged in a wooden barrel which gives it a unique flavor. Often, these barrels may have a toasted or charred interior to give the beer a heightened flavor of wood. This also enhances the aroma of the drink. Any variety of beer whether ale, lager, or hybrid can be barrel-aged. The type of wooden barrel used in brewing varies from alder, hickory and apple, with oak being the most common. 

Fruit Beers

These beers have fruits as a flavoring agent, giving them a unique taste and aroma. Fruits can be added in different ways during brewing, as extract, puree, fresh, or frozen. Wheat beers and IPAs induced with fruit flavors have been a great hit among casual and new beer drinkers. From peaches, cherries, apricots, raspberries and mangoes, the list of fruits that can be used to brew fruit beer can go on and on.

Spiced Beers

An assortment of spices and herbs can be used in beer brewing to enhance its flavor and give it a unique aroma. Some of the popular choices include cinnamon, clove, ginger, nutmeg, citrus and orange peels. Each ingredient brings its own charm to the brew without being overwhelming. From nutty and sweet to spicy and zesty, these spiced beers can be a refreshing summer beverage or a warm winter drink.

Little Miami Brewing Company offers a wide range of specialty beers from which you can choose. Our fan-favorites are 71 Peaches (peach wheat ale), Piñata (roasted jalapeño chili beer) and River Dog (blueberry sour beer). 

Elevate Your Beer Experience With These Food Combos

‘Beers can be served chilled, warm or at room temperature depending on their style. Lagers are usually served colder than ales. When you are tasting a beer, inhale the aroma by swirling it around the glass and taking a sniff. Look for taste notes by taking a sip and swishing it around the mouth for a few seconds. Note the appearance of the beer and pay attention to the taste to drink and know beer like a pro.

The best way to enjoy a beer is to pair it with food. While most food goes well with beer, there are some combos that are guaranteed to work the magic. The basic rule is to match the strength of the beer with that of the flavor of the food. Lagers pair extremely well with pizzas and burgers. Light lagers and IPAs taste heavenly with spicy Mexican food. Seafood and pasta with blonde and wheat ales are a great combo. Dark ales and stouts taste best with burgers and steak. And you cannot go wrong while pairing desserts with fruity beers. 

Pro tip: If you are trying out a variety of beers, you can eat a little bread or crackers to clear your palate before sipping the next beer. 

Check out our delicious taproom pizza kitchen menu and monthly food specials for more inspiration!

Visit Us at the Little Miami Brewing Company

Little Miami Brewing Company is known for its award-winning craft beers, delicious food, vibrant taproom and scenic rooftops. As a local craft brewery in Cincinnati, our mission is ‘to make other people passionate about great beer as we are’. Our ever-changing lineup of beers is made with fresh and local ingredients. From hoppy IPAs, crisp lagers and fruity wheat ales to non-alcoholic, specialty and seasonal brews – you can find all of it in our brewery. You can take a look at our beer menu and check out the variety of beers we offer.

With spectacular flavors and tantalizing aromas, you cannot resist the temptation of our beers promising you a day of food and fun with your family and friends. The creative world of craft beer awaits you with all the best brews we have to offer and for you to explore. You can even take a tour of our taproom and check out our event center.

We know that figuring out your preferred style of beer is not an easy task. But trust us, if you are looking in the right place, you are sure to find the best pick for you. At Little Miami Brewing Company we are serious about offering you the perfect experience of great beer and good food.

To learn more about us, check out our other blogs!

1. Types of Beer: A Comprehensive Guide for Beer Enthusiasts
2. Exploring Pilsner: The Golden Lager of the Beer World
3. A Guide for all Amber Beer Lovers