Whether you’re new to beer or looking to deepen your knowledge, understanding different beer styles can completely transform how you enjoy your drink. From crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs, and rich stouts to funky sours — the world of beer is as diverse as wine or coffee.
Let’s break down the main beer styles, their flavors, brewing differences, and food pairings.
🍺 1. Lagers
Flavor Profile: Light, crisp, clean
Color: Pale yellow to amber
Alcohol: 4–6% ABV
Examples: Pilsner, Helles, Bock
Lagers are fermented at cooler temperatures with bottom-fermenting yeast. They’re known for their refreshing, easy-to-drink nature.
Best With:
Grilled meats
Pizza
Spicy food (great for balance)
🍻 2. Ales
Flavor Profile: Fruity, bold, more complex
Color: Amber to dark brown
Alcohol: 4–8% ABV
Examples: Pale Ale, Amber Ale, Brown Ale
Ales are made with top-fermenting yeast and often have stronger flavors and aromas than lagers. They offer more variety in taste.
Best With:
Roasted chicken
Burgers
Cheddar cheese
🌿 3. India Pale Ales (IPA)
Flavor Profile: Bitter, citrusy, piney
Color: Golden to copper
Alcohol: 6–8% ABV
Examples: West Coast IPA, Hazy IPA, Double IPA
IPAs are known for their strong hop character, often highlighting bitterness and aroma. They’re a favorite in the craft beer scene.
Best With:
Spicy Indian or Mexican food
Blue cheese
Fried snacks
☕ 4. Stouts & Porters
Flavor Profile: Roasty, chocolatey, coffee-like
Color: Dark brown to black
Alcohol: 5–9% ABV
Examples: Dry Stout, Milk Stout, Imperial Stout
These dark beers are rich and full-bodied, thanks to roasted malt. While similar, stouts tend to be stronger and more robust than porters.
Best With:
BBQ ribs
Chocolate desserts
Oysters
🍊 5. Wheat Beers
Flavor Profile: Light, citrusy, sometimes spicy
Color: Pale and cloudy
Alcohol: 4–6% ABV
Examples: Hefeweizen, Witbier, American Wheat Ale
Brewed with a high percentage of wheat, these beers are refreshing and slightly tangy, often with notes of banana or clove.
Best With:
Light seafood
Salads
Brunch dishes
🧪 6. Sours
Flavor Profile: Tart, funky, fruity
Color: Varies widely
Alcohol: 4–7% ABV
Examples: Berliner Weisse, Gose, Lambic
Sour beers use wild yeast or bacteria to create a tangy profile. They can range from subtly tart to mouth-puckeringly sour.
Best With:
Goat cheese
Sushi
Citrus desserts
🧊 7. Pilsners
Flavor Profile: Crisp, slightly bitter, herbal
Color: Pale gold
Alcohol: 4–5.5% ABV
Examples: German Pilsner, Czech Pilsner
A sub-style of lager, pilsners are clean, refreshing beers with a bit more hop bite.
Best With:
Sausages
Fried foods
Pretzels
🔍 Bonus: Seasonal and Specialty Styles
Amber Lager – Balanced, toasty flavor
Barleywine – Strong and malty (up to 12% ABV!)
Pumpkin Ale / Holiday Ales – Spiced and festive
Session IPAs – Lighter in alcohol but still hoppy
🍽️ Beer & Food Pairing Tips
Match intensity: Bold beers go with bold flavors.
Use contrast: Hoppy bitterness cuts through fatty foods.
Try complementing: Stouts with chocolate, wheat beers with citrus.
🧭 Final Thoughts: Finding Your Favorite
The best way to learn beer styles is to taste and compare. Visit breweries, attend tastings, and explore flights. Over time, you’ll start recognizing styles that match your taste and mood.
Whether you prefer the crispness of a lager or the boldness of an IPA, the beer world has something for everyone.
