The universe of craft beer is as complex as it is exciting. They are of different types, and each type has a variety of brewing styles to make things even more complex. But in reality, they are very similar to each other as well with very subtle differences. This piece is your kick-starter if you haven’t delved into this mad world yet.
Porter: Porters are dark, fruity and foam-headed beers that first became popular in England. The drink got its name because of its immense popularity among street porters in London, who needed strong beers to keep themselves up and running in the heat. Because they are malted beers, porters tend to be on the sweeter side. Porters are very similar to stouts. In fact, they were inter-changeable once upon a time. Examples: Geary’s London Porter, Yuengling Porter, Highland Oatmeal Porter.
Stout: Stout is another word for ‘strong’ in the beer universe. Yes, stout beers are intrinsically strong, but what is even more peculiar about the stout is that it is brewed using roasted malt or roasted barley; so you will get a very identifiable roasted flavour and aroma. There is a thin line of difference between stouts and porters; the difference being that stouts are not as sweet. Examples: Dry Irish Stout, Russian Imperial Stout, Oatmeal Stout, Milk Stout.
Ale: Ales are fruity and aromatic beers that are brewed in warm temperatures. Traditionally, ales were meant to be brewed without hops, and another bittering agent was used instead to balance the sweetness before hops came into the picture. Today, ales are still considered to be the fruitier beers, and their different styles are a testimony to how large this category of beer is. Examples: American Pale Ale, American Amber Ale, English Bitter, India Pale Ale
Lager: Lagers, unlike ales, are less fruity but lighter. They tend to be more carbonated and feel subtle on the palate. These are matured in colder temperatures and have a very distinct yeast that is used to brew them. Examples: American Pale Lager, American Amber Lager, Oktoberfest.
Pilsners: Pilsners are a type of lager. They originated in Czech Republic, first brewed in a town named, well, Pilsner. Pilsners could be of various kinds, the kind that has a good balance between hops and malts, and the kind that are hoppier. Examples: German Pilsner, Czech Pilsner.
