Understanding Beer Styles: A Beginner's Guide

The world of beer is vast and varied, but understanding the main styles helps you navigate menus and discover new favourites. Beer styles are generally divided into two main categories: ales and lagers, determined by the type of yeast used and fermentation temperature.

Ales are fermented at warmer temperatures with top-fermenting yeast. This category includes pale ales, which have a golden colour and balanced hop bitterness; IPAs (India Pale Ales), which are bold and hoppy with citrus notes; and stouts, which are dark, rich, and often creamy with coffee or chocolate flavours. Brown ales sit somewhere in the middle, offering nutty, caramel notes.

Lagers are fermented cold with bottom-fermenting yeast, producing crisp, clean beers. Pilsners are the most popular lager style—light, refreshing, and slightly bitter. Helles lagers are even lighter and more delicate. Dark lagers like dunkel offer deeper, maltier flavours while remaining smooth.

The key to understanding beer styles is recognising that IBU (International Bitterness Units) measure hop bitterness, while ABV (Alcohol by Volume) indicates strength. A session ale might be 4% ABV with low bitterness, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. A double IPA could be 8% ABV with 70+ IBUs, demanding respect and paired with food.

Colour comes from the malts used. Pale malts create golden beers, while darker roasted malts produce brown and black beers. The brewing process also matters—a wheat beer uses wheat instead of barley, creating a cloudy appearance and fruity, spicy notes.

When tasting beer, notice the aroma first, then the initial flavour, the mid-palate, and the finish. Does it have fruity esters, hoppy bitterness, or malty sweetness? Is it crisp or creamy?

The best way to explore beer styles is to visit pubs that offer diverse selections and ask bar staff for recommendations. Try one new style each week. You'll quickly discover which profiles appeal to your palate—whether that's hoppy and bold, smooth and malty, or crisp and refreshing.