How Many Types of Beer Are There?
It is the oldest recorded recipe in the world, and the most widely consumed alcoholic drink on Earth. But beneath the generic labels of "light" and "dark" lies a complex family tree of over a hundred distinct styles.
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Quick Answer
The Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) officially recognises over 100 distinct beer styles. However, virtually every beer in existence falls into one of two massive foundational families: Ales and Lagers.
The Two Great Families
Ales: The Ancient Brews
For thousands of years, all beer was ale. Ales are brewed using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a "top-fermenting" yeast that works its magic at warmer room temperatures. Because they ferment warmly and quickly, ales produce esters and phenols—compounds that yield complex, fruity, and highly aromatic flavour profiles. Stouts, Porters, IPAs, and Wheat Beers all belong to the Ale family.
Lagers: The Crisp Revolution
Lagers are a relatively recent invention, originating in the cold caves of Bavaria in the 15th century. They utilize a different yeast, Saccharomyces pastorianus, which ferments at the bottom of the tank in near-freezing temperatures over a much longer period. This cold "lagering" (storage) process suppresses fruity esters, resulting in a beer that is remarkably crisp, clean, and refreshing. The mighty Pilsner is the king of the lager world.
The Craft Beer Explosion
The modern craft beer movement threw traditional rulebooks out the window. Brewers began hybridizing styles, resurrecting dead medieval recipes (like Gose and sour beers), and experimenting heavily. Today, micro-breweries produce Imperial Pastry Stouts infused with doughnuts, Hazy New England IPAs that look like orange juice, and barrel-aged Barleywines that rival the complexity of fine whisky.
Major Beer Styles Breakdown
| Style | Family | Origin | Flavour Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pilsner | Lager | Czech Republic | Crisp, clean, light gold, mild hop bitterness. |
| IPA (India Pale Ale) | Ale | England | Intensely hoppy, bitter, often citrus/pine notes. |
| Stout | Ale | Ireland/UK | Black colour, roasted malt, coffee/chocolate notes. |
| Porter | Ale | England | Dark brown, slightly lighter than stout, caramel notes. |
| Wheat Beer (Hefeweizen) | Ale | Germany | Cloudy, notes of banana and clove, very refreshing. |
| Pale Ale | Ale | England | Balanced malt sweetness and hop bitterness. |
| Sour Beer | Ale | Belgium | Intentionally acidic, tart, often brewed with fruit. |
| Bock | Lager | Germany | Strong, dark, malty sweet lager. |
| Saison | Ale | Belgium | Farmhouse ale, highly carbonated, spicy/earthy. |
| Amber Ale | Ale | USA | Copper colour, toasted malt, balanced hops. |
Did You Know?
- Trappist beers are protected by law. To be called a Trappist beer, the beverage must be brewed within the walls of a Trappist monastery, by or under the supervision of monks, and profits must go to charity. Only 11 breweries in the world hold this title.
- Hops are related to cannabis. The hop plant (Humulus lupulus), which gives beer its bitterness and aroma, is in the same botanical family as marijuana.
- Lagers are a cold accident. Before refrigeration, brewers in Bavaria stored their beer in freezing alpine caves during the summer. The cold temperatures naturally selected for a mutated, cold-tolerant yeast strain that birthed modern lagers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does ABV mean?
ABV stands for Alcohol By Volume. It is the standard measurement of how much alcohol is in a beverage. A typical light beer is around 4-5% ABV, while Imperial stouts can reach 12-15% ABV.
What are hops used for?
Before hops became the standard, brewers used various herbs and spices. Hops were introduced because they provide a balancing bitterness to the sweet malt, impart floral/citrus aromas, and act as a highly effective natural preservative.
Is dark beer 'heavier' or stronger?
Not necessarily. The colour of beer comes solely from how long the malted barley was roasted. A pitch-black dry Irish Stout (like Guinness) actually has fewer calories and a lower alcohol content (4.2% ABV) than many pale golden IPAs.
What does IBU mean?
IBU stands for International Bitterness Units. It is a chemical measurement of the bittering compounds (isohumulones) from hops. A light lager might have 10 IBUs, while a double IPA might exceed 80 IBUs.
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