The beer world has historically been divided amongst variations on lagers and ales, with many of the most popular macro-brews produced in the former style. As time goes on and the pioneers of the craft world continue to experiment and innovate, there is a rising trend of artisan brewers bringing new ideas to both categories.
LAGERS
Typically, lagers are described as bottom-fermenting beers, fermented at cooler temperatures compared to ale. Expect crisp and refreshing flavours.
| Style |
Profile |
Aromas/Flavours |
Beer Discovery Guide |
| Standard North American Style Lager |
Light slightly sweet, mild finish, lively |
Grain, floral, corn |
Bright & Balanced |
| Pilsner/Pilsener |
Light to medium-bodied light to moderate malt character, dry, mild hop notes, very crisp |
Grain, cereal, floral, spicy |
Bright & Balanced or Crisp & Hoppy
|
| Bocks |
Medium to full-bodied, moderate to rich malt character, mild to moderate hop character, warming |
Grain, caramel, toasty chocolate |
Bright & Balanced or Robust & Malty
|
ALES
Ales are top fermenting beers, typically fermented at warmer temperatures compared to lagers. Generally, ales are fuller in body, have more fruity esters, are richer in malt content and drier in comparison to lagers.
| Style |
Profile |
Aromas/Flavours |
Beer Discovery Guide |
| North American Pale Ale |
Medium-bodied, mild malt character, moderate to intense hop character, dry to very dry |
Citrus, grassy, spicy, pine, fruity, biscuit |
Crisp & Hoppy |
| India Pale Ale (IPA) |
Medium-bodied, mild malt character, full to intense hop character, dry to very dry |
Citrus, grassy, spicy, pine, earthy, fruity, biscuit |
Crisp & Hoppy |
| Brown Ales |
Medium-bodied, moderate to rich malt sweetness, mild hop character, mildly sweet |
Caramel, toffee, raisin |
Robust & Malty
|
| Porter |
Medium to full-bodied, moderate to rich malt sweetness, mild to moderate hop character, dry to mildly sweet |
Caramel, nut, chocolate, coffee |
Bold & Full
|
| Stout |
Medium to full-bodied, moderate to rich malt sweetness, moderate to full hop character, very dry to mildly sweet |
Chocolate, coffee, roasted, burnt, toasty |
Bold & Full
|
| Wheat Ales |
Light-bodied, light malt character, little hop character, dry to mildly sweet, livelyildly sweet |
Banana, bubble gum, citrus, baking spice, exotic spice |
Fruity & Smooth
|