Are you curious about the most popular beer styles enjoyed worldwide? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 beer styles that captivate the taste buds and leave beer enthusiasts craving for more.
In this article, we’ll explore the ten most popular beer styles in the world, with examples of each, to help you discover your new favorite beer. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of these renowned beer styles:
1. American Lager
American lagers are the most common beer style found in the United States and are enjoyed globally. They are bottom-fermented with lager yeasts, producing light, refreshing beers with little to no aroma. American lagers are simple and easy to drink, making them perfect for social events.
Examples: Budweiser, Coors Original, Grain Belt Premium Lager, Miller High Life
2. International Lager
Similar to American lagers, international lagers are uncomplicated and refreshing. They are also fermented with larger yeasts and have low alcohol by volume between 4.6 and 6%. Popular and often inexpensive, international lagers are enjoyed worldwide.
Examples: Asahi Super Dry, Birra Moretti, Corona Extra, Devils Backbone Gold Leaf Lager, Full Sail Session Premium Lager, Heineken, Red Stripe, Singha
3. American Pale Ale
Fermented with ale yeast, American pale ales have noticeable hop aromas and bitterness, with a creamier mouthfeel compared to industrial lagers. They can smell like fruit and freshly baked bread, and their complex nose makes them an excellent choice for craft beer enthusiasts.
Examples: Ballast Point Grunion Pale Ale, Firestone Walker Pale 31, Great Lakes Burning River, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Stone Pale Ale, Tröegs Pale Ale
4. Stout
Stouts are dark, almost black beers made with roasted malt, which imparts coffee, char, and chocolate aromas, along with a creamy mouthfeel. Stouts are fermented with ale yeast, resulting in a complex nose that may overwhelm those new to the style. However, the flavor and aroma intensity are very satisfying.
Examples: Avery Out of Bounds Stout, Deschutes Obsidian Stout, North Coast Old No. 38, Rogue Shakespeare Stout, Sierra Nevada Stout
5. Indian pale Ale (IPA)
IPAs are easily recognizable by their bitter taste and intense aromas of citrus and tropical fruit. Originally brewed in England, the British added an extra dose of hops to protect them on the journey to their colonies in India. The style is now made worldwide and is popular among beer enthusiasts.
Examples: Alpine Duet, Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale, Fat Heads Head Hunter IPA, Firestone Walker Union Jack, Lagunitas IPA, Russian River Blind Pig IPA, Stone IPA
6. Wheat Beer
Wheat beers are crowd-pleasers, with a rich mouthfeel, aromas reminiscent of bread and tropical fruit, and sometimes a hazy, milky color and texture. Adding wheat to the grain bill gives wheat beers their unique flavor profile. Popular in Germany and Belgium, there are excellent examples available worldwide.
Examples: Hacker-Pschorr Weisse, Paulaner Hefe-Weizen Naturtrüb, Schneider Weisse Unser Original, Bell’s Oberon, Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat Beer, Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat Ale
7. Pilsner
Pilsner is one of the world’s most popular beer styles, originating in the Czech Republic in the mid-19th century. It’s a light, crisp, and refreshing beer that’s perfect for hot summer days. Pilsners are typically brewed with a combination of malted barley and Saaz hops, which give them a distinctive floral and spicy aroma.
Examples: Bernard Sváteční ležák, Gambrinus Premium, Kout na Šumavě Koutská 12°, Pilsner Urquell, Pivovar Jihlava Ježek 11°, Primátor Premium, and Únětická 12°.
8. Porter
Porter is a dark, malty beer that originated in London in the 18th century. It’s brewed with roasted malted barley, which gives it a distinctive chocolate and coffee flavor. Porters are typically low in alcohol and have a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
Examples: Anchor Porter, Boulevard Bully! Porter, Deschutes Black Butte Porter, and Founders Porter.
9. American Brown Ale
American Brown Ale, also known as Amber Ale, is a medium-bodied beer with a malty flavor and caramel notes. It’s brewed with a combination of roasted malts, which give it a deep, reddish-brown color. American Brown Ales are a popular style in the United States and are known for their balance of sweetness and bitterness.
Examples: Deschutes Cinder Cone Red, Full Sail Amber, Kona Lavaman Red Ale, and North Coast Ruedrich’s Red Seal Ale.
10. Sour Beer
Sour Beer is a unique style that’s brewed using wild yeast strains or bacteria. This leads to a tangy, acidic flavor and often funky aromas that can be an acquired taste. There are many subcategories of Sour Beers, including Lambic Beers and Gueuze, which are popular for their versatility in pairing with food.
Examples: Boon Oude Gueuze, Boon Oude Gueuze Mariage Parfait, Cantillon Gueuze, De Cam Gueuze, and De Cam/Drei Fonteinen Millennium Gueuze.
Conclusion
In conclusion, beer is a global phenomenon, deeply entwined in most cultures. With over 100 distinct styles of beer, there is something for every occasion and every palate. From light and refreshing American lagers to dark and complex stouts, each beer style has its unique qualities and characteristics that make it special.
Whether you’re a beer aficionado or just beginning to explore the world of beer, these top 10 beer styles will broaden your knowledge and tantalize your taste buds. Cheers to the diversity and global popularity of these remarkable brews!
FAQ’s
-
What are the most popular beer styles worldwide?
The most popular beer styles worldwide include IPA (India Pale Ale), Lager, Stout, Pilsner, Wheat Beer, Pale Ale, Porter, Hefeweizen, Sour Beer, and Belgian Ale. However, popularity can vary based on regional preferences and cultural influences.
-
What defines a beer style?
A beer style is defined by its specific set of characteristics, including ingredients, brewing techniques, color, aroma, flavor profile, and historical context. These elements distinguish one beer style from another and contribute to its unique identity.
-
How are beer styles categorized?
Beer styles are categorized based on various factors such as fermentation method (ale or lager), color (pale or dark), flavor profile (bitter or malty), and regional or historical origins. Beer organizations and competitions often provide style guidelines to help classify different beer styles.
-
Which beer style is the most consumed globally?
Lager, particularly the pale lager, is the most consumed beer style globally. Its light and crisp characteristics, along with its widespread availability, contribute to its popularity across different regions.
-
Are beer styles region-specific or internationally recognized?
Beer styles can be both region-specific and internationally recognized. Certain styles have strong associations with specific regions or countries, such as Oktoberfest Märzen in Germany or Lambic in Belgium. However, many beer styles have gained international recognition and are brewed and enjoyed worldwide.
-
Can beer styles vary within different countries?
Yes, beer styles can vary within different countries. Even within a single country, you may find regional variations and interpretations of a particular beer style. Local ingredients, brewing traditions, and cultural preferences can influence the characteristics of beer styles within different regions.
-
Are there unique characteristics for each beer style?
Yes, each beer style has its own unique characteristics that set it apart. These characteristics can include factors like color, bitterness, aroma, flavor profile, carbonation level, body, and alcohol content. Understanding these characteristics helps beer enthusiasts appreciate and differentiate between various styles.
-
How do beer styles impact brewing techniques?
Beer styles significantly impact brewing techniques. Different styles may require specific ingredients, yeast strains, fermentation temperatures, aging processes, and carbonation levels. Brewers adapt their techniques to achieve the desired flavor, aroma, appearance, and overall characteristics of a particular beer style.
-
Are there traditional or historical beer styles?
Yes, many beer styles have traditional or historical roots. These styles often reflect the brewing traditions, ingredients, and cultural heritage of a specific region or country. Examples include traditional German styles like Bock or historic English styles like Barleywine.
-
What factors contribute to the popularity of specific beer styles?
Several factors contribute to the popularity of specific beer styles. These factors include taste preferences, cultural influences, marketing and availability, brewing trends, historical significance, and the influence of craft breweries and beer enthusiasts. Popularity can also be influenced by seasonal variations and evolving consumer preferences.
