Beer Overview

Beer is a term that refers to any fermented drink made primarily of malted grain and seasoned with hops. Examples of different style beers are listed below.

Ale

A top fermented product. fermentation occurs in a relatively quick time at a warm temperature... resulting in the production of esters which impart a fruity accent to the flavor of ale.  There are many types of ale. Some of the common designations are:

• Bitter : Originally an English term referring to a dry ale...an example of this style is BridgePort ESB
• Brown : Originating in London, this ale has varying digress of sweetness...most characteristic of this style is Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown
• Barleywine : Originally an English style......this term designates a very strong ale.  With a n alcohol content of around 10%, this beer is best served at room temperature often as an after-dinner drink. A great example of this style is Sierra Nevada Bigfoot.
• Cream : An American creation....Cream Ale is a mild, sweet, light colored ale associated with old-established Northwestern brewers ...an example of this style is Genesee Cream Ale.
• India : India Pale Ale refers to a type of premium ale with a lot of hops and a  fruit taste imparted by the esters.  An example of this style is Bass Ale.
• Pale : Pale ale refers to a fruity hoppy copper colored ale which originated in England but is now made around the world. An example of this style is Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.

Bock

This term usually refers to a stronger lager...color can vary but it is usually amber to brown in color.  An example of this style is Shiner Bock.  In this category the term Dopplebock refers to a stronger bock with a higher alcohol content.  An example of this style is Ayinger Celebrator.

Lager

This term refers to a bottom fermented, blonde, light tasting beer.  Examples of lagers are Budweiser, Coors, Sam Adams, and most other main stream American beers.

Lambic

This style refers to spontaneously-fermented beers from Belgium.  Lambic beers are usually flavored with fruit (cherries, peaches, currant etc) and come in corked bottles with a wire cage.  An example of this style is Lineman’ Cassis.

Light

Light beer is a low-calorie Pilsner style interpretation of beer.  It is an American style.  Examples of the style are Bud Light, Lite, and Coors Light.

Oktoberfest

A term that refers to a style of beer more correctly called Marzen beer....a full-colored, bottom fermented lager with a malt accent.  An example of this style is Paulaner Oktoberfest.

Pilsner

This is a premium...dry...pale lager.  It has a flowery bouquet, a  hoppy finish on a soft palate.  Pilsner Urquell is the original and the best example of this style.

Porter

A top fermented nearly black ale.  Originating in London this style is dry with a fruity taste.  An example of a traditional porter is Samuel Smith’s Porter.

Stout

A top fermented brew.... almost black in color with a roasted barley taste.  English stouts are usually referred to as Milk Stout. ...an example is Makeson Stout.  Irish stouts are usually dry....the most famous example being Guinness.

Trappist

This term refers to strong fruity tasting ales made by Trappist monks in Belgium and the Netherlands.  These ales are sedimented and usually have a rather long shelf life.  An example of this style is Orval.

Weisse

Wheat beer is a light colored sharply fruity beer with hints of apple, plum, and especially cloves.  The term Hefe as a prefix to Weissen mean the yeast is in the bottle (this product will be cloudy).  An example  of this style is Paulaner Hefe-Weisse.