Pilsners, pale ales, stouts, and lagers are just some of the many different types of beer we drink. Communities from all over the world revere beer for its versatility (and ability to make any gathering 100% more fun). It can be paired with meals, served at parties, and of course, shared ice-cold with your buddies on any random night. Here are some of the types of beer you should try the next time you're thinking of cracking open a cold one.
Different Types of Beer: A Drink for Every Occasion
Lager
American Lager
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The American lager is one of the country’s favorite types of beer. It has an extremely clear, golden-yellow color. Like most beers, it’s best served cold, around 38 to 40°F to be exact. It's best paired with salty snacks like cheese, pizza, and chips. Some American lagers you might have tried include Budweiser, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Yuengling Premium.
Pilsner
The Pilsner beer is also among the most popular types of beer in America, Germany, and many other countries. It has a hoppy, slightly malty flavor and an ABV of 4.5% to 5.5%. Sixpoint The Crisp, Half Acre Pony, Schell’s Pilsner, and North Coast Scrimshaw are just some of the Pilsners you might have seen at your local pub. Make sure your cooler is stocked with a few of these at your next grill party or backyard cookout.
Bock
The Bock includes some of the strongest types of lager in the country. You might recognize its dark brown color and strong malt flavor. It has an ABV ranging from 5.5% to 7.5%. Some styles of Bock include the traditional bock, maibock, doppelbock, eisbock, and weizenbock. Since Bock has a strong bitter flavor, you might want to pair it with something sweet, like corn, to refresh your palate.
Dunkel
Dunkel is one of the darkest lager beers. Its color ranges from amber to dark red. While it may look similar to a Bock, it has a much lower ABV. In fact, its ABV ranges from 4% to 5.5%, and it has a less bitter, slightly sweeter flavor.
Ale
Pale Ale
People love Pale Ale for its great balance of maltiness and hoppiness. It has an ABV ranging from 4.7% to 7%. What sets the Pale Ale apart from the others is its diversity. There are multiple Pale Ales you can try. In fact, many craft beers drew inspiration from this classic style of beer. The next time you decide to grab a Pale Ale, try out Bass Ale, Boddington’s Pub Ale, Pyramid Pale Ale, and Young’s Bitter, among others.
India Pale Ale
India Pale Ales are one of the best-selling craft-style beers in the country. These are famous for their hops, aroma, and strong, bitter taste. IPAs have an ABV of around 5.5% to 7.5%, depending on the brand. If you’re looking for some India Pale Ale beer brands, you can try something from Sierra Nevada, Dogfish Head, Brooklyn Brewery, or Lagunitas Brewing Company.