Beer Dictionary
From domestic favorites to quality craft beer to sought-after imports, beer is brewed all over the world. With so many varieties and so many options to choose from, it can be a lot to keep track of. That’s why we put this Beer Dictionary together to help you learn more about our selection.
Lager
One of the major categories of beer, lagers are defined by their transparent golden color and white foam. This style of beer is made using bottom-fermenting yeast, which results in a light, drinkable body and refreshing taste.
Pilsner
A pilsner is actually a type of lager; however, they’ve become extremely popular in their own right. This widely made style of beer has its roots in Germany, but is now brewed in every corner of the globe. While it also features a light, golden body, the flavor features more hops than a traditional lager.
Pale Ale
Ales are another major style of beers. A pale ale is made using pale malt and can be either golden or amber colored. They often feature a nicely balanced body with a hint of bitterness and subtle hints of malt and citrus.
Brown Ale
Another type of ale, brown ales were created and popularized in the UK due to their dark color, medium body, and rich flavors. Brown ales often feature notes of chocolate, caramel, and toasted malt.
India Pale Ale (IPA)
When it comes to craft beer, one of the most widely brewed varieties is the India Pale Ale (IPA). IPAs have a distinct hoppy flavor, defined bitterness, and a higher alcohol content. They can also feature specific flavors and are brewed in several varieties, including Hazy, West Coast, New England, Imperial, and Double and Triple IPAs.
Saison
One of the major categories of beer, lagers are defined by their transparent golden color and white foam. This style of beer is made using bottom-fermenting yeast, which results in a light, drinkable body and refreshing taste.
Kolsch
One of the major categories of beer, lagers are defined by their transparent golden color and white foam. This style of beer is made using bottom-fermenting yeast, which results in a light, drinkable body and refreshing taste.
Hefeweizen
If you’ve ever seen a hazy beer garnished with an orange, you’re familiar with hefeweizens. This German beer literally translates to “yeast wheat,” which is why hefeweizens are sometimes called wheat beers. With their hazy color, light body, and fruity flavors, this style is a summertime favorite.
Sour
While they may vary in color, sour beers all have one thing in common. They are intentionally brewed to deliver a tart, sour taste. Some styles that fall into this category include Gose beers and Berliner Weisse.
Bock
Bock beers are essentially dark lagers that can range from being dark-copper colored to solid black. This style usually includes rich flavors and a slight bitterness, but maintains a light, drinkable body. Some subsets of bocks include Maibock and Doppelbock.
Porter
Porters are popular with beer drinkers who prefer dark beer. This traditional English style of beer features malted barley, a smooth flavor, and a sweet aftertaste. Some of the frequently used ingredients that give it that dessert-like finish include chocolate, coffee, and caramel.
Stout
Stouts are the darkest and heaviest type of beer. Their dark-roasted barley produces a thick body that includes both a slight bitterness that’s similar to coffee and a smooth finish like dairy. They often have the thickest head and have an opaque, brown, or black body.