Welcome, beer enthusiasts and novices alike, to our beginner's guide to beer styles. Whether you're a seasoned sipper or just dipping your toe into the foamy waters of the brewing world, understanding the vast array of beer styles can seem like a daunting task. But fear not! We're here to shed some light on the subject and help you navigate the diverse landscape of beers with confidence and flair.

Let's start at the beginning, shall we? Beer can be broadly categorized into two main types: ales and lagers. These categories are determined by the type of yeast used during fermentation and the brewing process employed. Ales are fermented at warmer temperatures with top-fermenting yeast, resulting in beers with complex flavours and aromas. Lagers, on the other hand, are fermented at cooler temperatures with bottom-fermenting yeast, yielding beers that are clean, crisp, and refreshing.

Within these broad categories, there is a vast array of beer styles, each with its own unique characteristics and flavour profiles. Here are some of the most popular beer styles you're likely to encounter on your beer-tasting journey:

1. Pale Ale: A classic British beer style known for its balanced maltiness and hoppy bitterness. Pale ales come in various sub-styles, including India Pale Ale (IPA), which is renowned for its bold hop character and citrusy aroma.
2. Stout: A dark and robust beer style with roasted malt flavours, often featuring notes of coffee, chocolate, and caramel. Guinness is perhaps the most famous example of a stout, with its creamy texture and dry finish.
3. Pilsner: A light and crisp lager style originally hailing from the Czech Republic. Pilsners are characterised by their golden colour, floral hop aroma, and clean, refreshing taste.
4. Wheat Beer: Brewed with a significant proportion of wheat malt, wheat beers are known for their cloudy appearance and light, fruity flavours. German Hefeweizens and Belgian Witbiers are two popular examples of wheat beer styles.
5. IPA (India Pale Ale): A hop-forward beer style with a strong emphasis on bitterness and aroma. IPAs can range from light and sessionable to bold and intensely hoppy, making them a favourite among craft beer enthusiasts.
6. Porter: Similar to stout but typically lighter in body and lower in alcohol content, porters are known for their rich, malty flavours and hints of chocolate and coffee. They're perfect for sipping by the fireside on a chilly evening.
7. Belgian Ale: Belgian beers are renowned for their complex flavours and unique yeast characteristics. From fruity and spicy Saisons to strong and flavourful Abbey Ales, Belgian beers offer a diverse range of styles to explore and enjoy.

These are just a few examples of the wide variety of beer styles out there, but there are countless others waiting to be discovered.

So next time you find yourself browsing Only Craft Beer, don't be afraid to venture outside your comfort zone and try something new. Who knows? You might just find your new favourite beer style waiting to be savoured.

So what are you waiting for?

Buy independent. Support locals. And taste the benefits when fresh beer shows up at your front door.