Craft beer is a unique and complex beverage that has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It is a combination of art and science, with brewers using a variety of ingredients to create the perfect aroma, body, flavor, and finish. With hundreds of documented beer styles and a handful of organizations with their own unique classifications, it can be difficult to keep up with all the different types of beer. This article will provide an overview of the most popular beer styles and flavors, as well as tips on how to better appreciate and share your knowledge of craft beer.
When it comes to beer styles, there are several classic old-world styles from countries such as England, Germany, and Belgium that have been modified by craft brewers. These include Pale Lager and Pilsner, Dark Lager, German Bock, Brown Ale, Pale Ale, India Pale Ale, Porter, Stout, Belgian Beer, Wheat Beer, and Wild. In addition to these classic styles, there are also several new styles that have been developed in the United States. These include American Amber Beer, American Pale Ale, and other trendy beers.
When tasting craft beer, it is important to understand the quantitative style statistics. This includes information about the brewing and conditioning process, yeast and microorganisms used in fermentation, and by-products created during fermentation. It is also important to be familiar with the descriptors used to describe the flavors, textures, aromas, and finishes of different beers. These descriptors include words such as malty, hoppy, fruity, floral, citrusy, piney, resinous, roasted malt, caramelized proteins, and more.
American Amber Beer is one of the most popular styles in the United States. It is characterized by its golden to amber color derived from caramel and crystalline malt additions that are roasted to provide flavor and body. American Amber Beer has a medium-high to high malt character with a medium to low caramel character. It is balanced by American variety hops that provide notes of bitterness, citrus amber fruitiness and piney aromas.
This type of beer is very versatile when it comes to food pairings as it complements grilled or charred proteins as well as lighter dishes such as salads or chicken. American Pale Ale is another popular style in the United States that was inspired by English pale ale. It is characterized by floral, fruity citrusy piney resinous American hops that balance out the sweetness of the malt. American Pale Ale is a medium-bodied beer with low to medium caramel notes. It pairs well with lighter dishes such as salads or chicken but can also hold up to heartier dishes such as chili or grilled meats.
Craft beer is enjoyed during daily celebrations and is considered by many to be one of life's special pleasures. With so many different styles available in the United States today it can be difficult to keep up with all the different types of beer. However, understanding the sensory side of craft beer will help you appreciate and share your knowledge and enthusiasm for drinking beer.
