BEER TYPES

Beer is either ale or a lager or some derivative thereof. The difference between the two being the type of yeast used and the length and temperature of the fermentation process. Listed below are some of the popular styles or types of microbrews.

ALES
These beers are produced with yeast that rises to the top during fermentation. The yeast ferments quicker resulting in a fruitier and sweeter taste.

ALTBIER

This is a German word for “old”. It is a smooth clean tasting German Ale.

BELGIUM ALE

These are similar to an English pale ale but with more malt and yeast character.

CREAM ALE

These are brewed as ale but may be finished with lager yeast. It is well carbonated with a pale gold color.

HEFEWEIZEN

A German wheat beer with little hops bitterness and moderate alcohol content. It has an unfiltered cloudy appearance.

INDIA PALE ALE

Hoppy medium bodied pale ale. Originally brewed in England with more hops to survive the journey to British troops stationed in India.

OATMEAL STOUT

A full bodied ale with a coffee flavor and nuttiness.

PALE ALE

An amber colored beer brewed with pale malts.

PORTER

A dark ale that is full bodied in taste. The unmalted barley is well roasted giving it a chocolaty bitter taste.

STOUT

This is a stronger version of porter ale using pale malt and roasted unmalted barley. Stout originated in Ireland as a variety of porter beer.

WHEAT BEER

Any beer that uses malted wheat and processed by top fermentation.

LAGERS
Lager comes from the German word lagern meaning “to store”. Lagers are brewed with a bottom fermenting yeast which requires longer periods of time to ferment. These beers tend to be less alcoholic than ales.

AMBER

Amber beers are copper or amber in color and are usually strong bodied in taste.

BOCK

This beer is a heavy, dark German lager with high alcohol content.

PILSNER

This lager is dry, highly hopped with a flowery aroma.

CALIFORNIA COMMON

These are brewed with a special strain of lager yeast that works better at warmer temperatures. A unique American lager dating back to the 1800’s derived in California. Originally known as Steam Beer, that name was trademarked by Anchor Brewing Co…