Beer Terminology, Part 1: Types of Beer

After the success of National Barbeque Month and our month-long look at grilling and Barbeque, we will continue with our themed months for June. This month is all about beer. Now, put your tongue's back in your mouths because we have a lot to cover. I have already posted my review of Heineken's new Light beer, and there will be plenty more reviews where that came from. While you're hanging around the 'Net, go check out Brew Reviews. It's straight up reviews on a wide variety of microbrews and unknowns. I especially love the Romulan Ale.

There are only two types of beer. Now, don't get your panties all in a wad. There are two types of beers, but many different hybrids of the two. The two main kinds of beer are lager and ale. I'm sure you've heard of them. These types of beer are classified as such because of the type of yeast used to ferment their malts. Yeast, as you know, are living organisms that feed on sugars and excrete alcohol and gas (carbonation).

Lagers
Lagers use lager yeast which are bottom feeders. They do not float around in the wort, rather, they sink to the bottom and do their business down there. Lager yeast prefer colder temperatures, which is why most American beers are advertised as "cold-brewed" or "frost-brewed." It just means they used lager yeast. Lagers tend to be lighter in color and complexity as well as slightly less alcoholic than ales.

Most mass-produced beer in America are lagers. Bud, Miller, Michelob ... all lagers. Lagers are also popular in European countries such as Germany, Holland, and Belgium. Because of the German influence in Mexico, most Mexican beers are also lagers. Corona, Dos Equis, Negro Modelo ... all lagers

Ales
Ales uses ale yeast which are top feeders. They also like to swim around and collect at the top of the brew for a few days during fermentation. Ale yeasts need warmer temperatures to do their business, usually room temperature or slighly higher. In the end, ales tend to be darker, more complex and have a wide range of flavors. They are also slighly higher in alcohol content than lagers.

Ales are most popular in the U.K. Think of your favorite English or Irish beer, and you have an Ale. Guiness, Newcastle, Bass .... all ales.

On the next beer terminology, we'll get into the specialty hybrid types such as Porters, Stouts, Pilseners, Bock, etc.