A Primer on Beer

By Susannah Chen
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Perhaps you've been known to enjoy a pint or two, but 'fess up: between all that Guinness and red ale, do you know what you're really imbibing? It's true that unless you're a science fiend, home brewer, or craft-beer aficionado, it can be confusing to wrap your head around the different varieties — especially since they're all made from water, malted barley, yeast, and hops. But for the most part, beer can be broken down into two major categories.

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Most beers are either ales or lagers. Ales, which originated in England, are made by brewing a top-fermenting yeast (a fungus that grows at the top of the fermentation vessel) at room temperature. They have lots of hops and malt, which give them a characteristically bitterer taste and darker color. Varieties of ale include the following:

  • India Pale Ale: A very hoppy (read: bitter) brew.
  • Hefeweizen: An unfiltered wheat beer.
  • Irish red ale: The roasted barley content creates a signature red color and tea-like flavor.
  • Porter: A London-style dark ale made with roasted malts.
  • Stout: The darkest of beers, packed with toasted flavors like those of chocolate, coffee, oatmeal, or cream.
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Unlike ales, lagers, which originated in central Europe, are created when bottom-fermenting yeast is cold-brewed at low temperatures (between 45°F and 57°F) for long periods of time. They tend to be lighter in color and mild- and fruit-flavored. Varieties of lager include the following:

  • Pilsner: A light yellow lager with a bitter, hoppy flavor.
  • American-style light beer: A watered-down version of pilsner that's lower in calories (and in taste).
  • Bock: A strong lager that's brewed for extra months and has a robust malt characteristic.
  • Märzen: A copper-colored, high-alcohol beer with a toasty flavor, full body, and dry finish.

To learn more about the difference as well as some of our favorite bottles, watch this video on different beer styles.