Category: Wine Guides

The Ultimate Guide for Beer Lovers

Beer is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in the world, and what is popular in the beer world has continued to change and evolve over the years. So what exactly are the main differences between common beer styles? Whether you love a simple lager, a complex craft or a pale ale, this is one is for you!

The origins of beer date back over 7,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia, where Sumerians brewed a primitive form of beer from barley. Throughout history, beer has played a vital role in many cultures, from Egyptian rituals to medieval European monasteries, where monks refined brewing techniques. As brewing spread and evolved, so did the variety of beer styles. Today, beer is broadly categorised into two main types: ales and lagers. Ales, which include styles like pale ale, IPA, and stout, are fermented at warmer temperatures with top-fermenting yeast, resulting in complex and robust flavours. The difference between top-fermenting and bottom-fermenting primarily refers to the type of yeast used and how it behaves during the beer fermentation process. These differences influence the beer's flavor, aroma, and style. Lagers, such as pilsners and bocks, are fermented at cooler temperatures with bottom-fermenting yeast, producing a cleaner and crisper taste. However these days there is an endless array of unique beer styles to choose from.

Lager

Lager is a type of beer that is fermented and conditioned at low temperatures using bottom-fermenting yeast, typically Saccharomyces pastorianus. This cooler fermentation process results in a clean, crisp, and smooth flavour profile, often with subtle malt and hop characteristics. Within the lager family, there are several styles, including light lagers, pilsners, dark lagers, and bocks, each varying in colour and strength. Unlike sour beers, which are intentionally brewed with wild yeast and bacteria for tart flavours, or stouts and IPAs, which emphasise roasted malts or strong hop bitterness, lagers focus on balance and drinkability, making them among the most widely consumed beers in the world.

A great go to option for a classic lager is Peroni Nastro Azzurro. It’s brewed using the creativity and flair of Italians, blending the finest hops with two-row spring planted barley and a quarter of Italian maize which produces its uniquely crisp and refreshing taste. Alternatively why not try “Argentina’s Favourite Beer”, Quilmes Lager. It delivers rich textures and a refreshing light hoppy taste with a crisp, dry finish. It is great lager to drink on its own but also makes a good food match with South American or Mediterranean cuisine.

Ale

As opposed to lagers, ales are brewed with top-fermenting yeast at warmer temperatures, leading to more complex, fruity, and robust flavors. Common ale styles include pale ale, indian pale ale (IPA), stout, porter, and Belgian ale, each offering distinct characteristics such as fruity, spicy, or roasted notes. The difference between pale ale and indian pale ale lies in their hops content, alcohol level and flavour intensity. For example pale ales are more moderately hopped whereas an indian pale is known for stronger hop aromas and flavours. While lagers emphasise subtlety and balance, ales are often more aromatic and flavourful, making them popular among craft brewers and beer enthusiasts seeking variety and depth.

If you love an ale, why not try Siren’s Pale for Days mixed pack. This was immediately recognised with Rate Beer awarding Siren 2nd Best New Brewery In The World and Best Brewery In The UK during the first year of brewing. Their passion for creating the best possible products has continued ever since. These fresh, light pale ales are brewed for easy drinking. The perfect entry into the world of Siren’s pale ales, this mixed pack contains a variety of 4 full-flavoured hoppy beers.

Craft Beer

Craft beer is a category increasingly rising in popularity as beer fans search for newer, more exciting styles of beer and steer away from commercial brands. They are beers produced by small, independent breweries that focus on quality, flavour, and traditional brewing methods rather than mass production. These beers often showcase unique ingredients, experimental techniques, and bold flavour profiles that set them apart from mainstream commercial beers. Unlike large-scale beer brands that typically prioritise consistency and wide appeal, often brewing lighter lagers, craft brewers tend to emphasise creativity and variety, offering styles like hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, sour ales, and barrel-aged brews. Craft beers also often reflect local ingredients and regional influences.

A great craft beer for those who love fruity hops is Beavertown’s Lunar Haze. Tottenham Hale's Beavertown Brewery have firmly cemented themselves as craft beer royalty. And they’re not ones to shy away from bold flavours or styles. Like all of Beavertown’s range, this beer features the brilliantly chaotic and unmistakable artwork of artist Nick Dwyer. It’s a fitting tribute to the beer itself – lively, tropical and full of flavour. Rich and smooth, this hazy IPA has slightly less bitterness than regular IPAs, making it juicy and refreshing.