The Different Types of Beer: A Guide to the Styles, Flavours, and Traditions

Beer is one of the world’s oldest and most diverse beverages. With roots reaching back thousands of years, it’s evolved into a tapestry of styles and flavours that reflect history, culture, climate, and creativity. Whether you’re exploring the world of full-strength brews or their alcohol-free and low-ABV cousins, understanding the different types of beer is the key to discovering what you love.

Let’s dive into the main families of beer—and the styles that make each one unique.

The Two Main Branches: Ales and Lagers

At the most basic level, beer is divided into two main categories: ales and lagers. The difference comes down to the yeast and fermentation method.

• Ales use top-fermenting yeast and ferment at warmer temperatures. They tend to be more fruity, bold, and complex.
• Lagers use bottom-fermenting yeast and ferment at colder temperatures. They are often cleaner, crisper, and more subtle.

Now, let’s break these down into specific styles.

🍺 ALE STYLES

1. Pale Ale

• Flavour: Balanced, hoppy, with mild bitterness.
• Origin: England
• Famous Types: English Pale Ale, American Pale Ale (APA)
• Notable Low-ABV Examples: BrewDog Nanny State (hoppy and low-alcohol)

2. India Pale Ale (IPA)

• Flavour: Bold hop bitterness, citrus, pine, and tropical fruit notes.
• Origin: England (popularized in the U.S.)
• Variations: West Coast IPA (dry, bitter), New England IPA (hazy, juicy), Session IPA (lower ABV)
• Alcohol-Free Take: IPAs are a favorite for craft AF brewers because of their big flavor—try Athletic Brewing Co. or Big Drop Brewing Co.

3. Brown Ale

• Flavour: Malty, nutty, toasty, mild sweetness.
• Origin: England
• Examples: Newcastle Brown Ale, Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale

4. Porter

• Flavour: Roasty, chocolate, coffee, with a creamy body.
• Origin: London
• Fun Fact: Porters inspired the birth of stouts.

5. Stout

• Flavour: Rich, dark, often with coffee, chocolate, and roasted notes.
• Famous Types: Dry Irish Stout (like Guinness), Sweet Stout, Imperial Stout
• AF Option: Guinness 0.0 is a standout in the alcohol-free world.

6. Wheat Beer

• Flavour: Smooth, slightly sweet, sometimes citrusy or spicy.
• Types:
  • Hefeweizen (Germany) – banana/clove notes
  • Witbier (Belgium) – brewed with orange peel and coriander
• AF Spotlight: Maisel’s Weisse Alkoholfrei (classic German wheat without the buzz)

🍻 LAGER STYLES

1. Pilsner

• Flavour: Crisp, refreshing, with light hops and a dry finish.
• Origin: Czech Republic & Germany
• Types: Czech Pilsner (softer, slightly sweet), German Pils (drier, hoppier)
• Great AF Picks: Lucky Saint, Bitburger Drive, Heineken 0.0, Birra Moretti Zero

2. Helles

• Flavour: Smooth, lightly sweet malt with gentle bitterness.🌍 OTHER STYLES & HYBRIDS
• Origin: Munich, Germany
• Compare With: More malt-forward than a Pilsner

3. Dunkel

• Flavor: Dark lager with toasty, bready malt character.
• Great For: Cold weather and hearty meals

4. Bock

• Flavour: Stronger lager, rich maltiness, hints of caramel or toast.
• Types: Traditional Bock, Doppelbock (stronger), Eisbock (super concentrated)

🌍 OTHER STYLES & HYBRIDS

1. Sour Beers

• Flavour: Tart, tangy, sometimes funky or fruity.
• Styles:
  • Berliner Weisse
  • Gose – with salt and coriander
  • Lambic – wild fermented, includes fruit variants like Kriek (cherry)
• AF Trend: Sour beers lend themselves well to low-ABV options due to their bold flavours.

2. Farmhouse Ales

• Types: Saison, Bière de Garde
• Flavour: Dry, earthy, spicy, sometimes funky
• Story: Originally brewed by Belgian and French farmers for seasonal refreshment.

🧪 Modern Styles & Craft Innovations

With the explosion of craft brewing, many new hybrid styles have emerged:

• Cold IPA – an IPA brewed with lager yeast for a crisp finish
• Brut IPA – dry, champagne-like
• Milkshake IPA – creamy, with lactose and fruit additions
• Non-Alcoholic & Low-ABV Beers – full of flavour, minus the buzz

Today’s alcohol-free brewers experiment with traditional styles and innovative techniques, crafting beers that can hold their own against full-strength counterparts.

Final Thoughts

From crisp lagers to bold stouts, the world of beer is as diverse as it is delicious. Whether you’re a traditionalist chasing classic styles or an adventurer trying hazy sours and hoppy AF brews, there’s a beer out there for you.

At ModestDrinker.com, we believe enjoying beer is about the experience, not the ABV. So whether you’re sipping a session IPA, a 0.0% wheat beer, or a bold bock, explore widely—and drink modestly.