
If you are not a regular beer drinker, you may not realize that there is a huge difference in flavors between the various types of brews. For instance, many people prefer to drink lager over ale, while others enjoy porters or stouts. So, what is the flavor difference between porters, ales and lagers?
- Lager – Lager drinkers love the taste of their beers, which can range in taste from sweet to bitter, and from pale to black in color. The most popular lagers are pale to medium in color and have a lot of carbonation. The hop flavor is medium to high. You will find many different types of lagers out there, with the most popular being pilsner or pilsner.
- Ale – Ale is one of the oldest alcoholic drinks on the planet, originally made mainly from malted barley until the 15th century when hops were introduced by the Netherlands, and people started brewing what became known as beer. These days, ale is different from lager because of the way it ferments. Rather than fermenting on the bottom of a vat, it does its work at the top, which is a quicker process. This process also creates more esters and turns less sugar into alcohol, which is why it has a sweeter taste than lager or porter. You will find many different varieties of ale, including India pale ale, mild ale, bitter ale and brown ale, just to name a few.
- Porter – This is a type of ale that is very different in flavor from all the rest. Its aroma is malty, and it has both the bitterness of hops and the bittersweet taste of chocolate that makes it fun and interesting. This is a strong, dark brew, and it is traditionally created with soft water, where others are brewed with hard water.
When it comes right down to it, the beer you enjoy will depend on a number of factors, including taste. Try some of the different types, including lager, ale and porter, and see which ones become your favorites and join the list of drinks that you will be serving at your next get-together.
Interested in knowing more about the history and evolution of craft beers? My latest book The American Book of Craft Breweries reveals all – get your copy today!
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