Beer is one of the oldest and most popular beverages in the world. With so many different styles, flavors, and brewing techniques, it's no wonder that there are more than 100 different beer styles available around the world. From amber ales to doppelbocks, English browns to pumpkin-flavored beers, there is something for everyone. In this article, we'll explore the different types of beer, their characteristics, and how to find your next favorite beer. When it comes to beer styles, there is no universally accepted list.
Different countries and organizations have different criteria for categorizing beer. For example, the British Beer Champion of the Real Ale Beer Campaign (CAMRA), the local brewing competitions of the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP), the World Beer Cup of the Brewers Association and the International Industry Awards Brewery all have their own categories. These categories can include processes or ingredients that are not generally considered to define beer styles per se, such as packaged beer on tap (barrel ale) for the International Brewing Industry Awards, Gluten-Free Beer (gluten-free beer) for the World Cup. Beer and Beer with Spices, Herbs or Vegetables (add-ons)) for the home brewing contests of BJCP. When it comes to ales, amber beers ferment at warmer temperatures for a shorter period of time than lager style beers.
Doppelbock beer is a type of ale that was originally brewed by monks in Munich. It is very food-friendly and rich in melanoidins reminiscent of toast. English browns are neither flashy nor boring; they strike a balance between malt and hop for a more rounded flavor. German-style Maibock is paler in color and more focused on hops than traditional bock beers. Flavored beers are becoming increasingly popular.
The key to any flavored beer is that the ingredients and flavors it presents are well balanced with the base style of the beer. Pumpkin flavored beers have attracted the attention of craft beer and pumpkin lovers everywhere. Chocolate-flavored beers are also gaining popularity; American craft brewers have embraced this combination with a variety of different approaches and applications. Finding your next favorite beer can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help you find breweries near you or search for breweries by location, desired brewery name or state.
With so many different types of beer available, you're sure to find something that suits your taste.
