Cazuela’s Beer Guide for Beginners
Beer is one of the oldest beverages in human culture, and it has evolved significantly over the course of history. Who would have thought in centuries gone by that a self serve beer wall would be a thing in the future? There are now many styles of beer available that provide an array of flavors and textures. With so many choices, it can be intimidating to make a selection because you may not know what you are ordering. Not to worry; this helpful guide will clear up the confusion and help you find a beer that matches your taste.
Beer Brewing Types, Defined
There are two major classifications of beer, of which all others are a subtype or variation: ales and lagers.
• Ales have ancient, archaic origins, while lagers are a recent invention of the previous several centuries.
• Fermentation in ales occurs at a warmer temperature, and the yeast floats on top of the beer during the process.
• Lagers ferment at relatively cooler temperatures, and their yeasts sink to the bottom of the beer during fermentation.
Ales
Ales are dark, with colors ranging from deep gold to dark reds. They are often described as complex, meaning the layers of flavoring are distinctive. Each sip may impart a different flavor note. Ales have the same alcohol content as the ubiquitous lager, but they are generally bolder in flavor. This type of beer is ancient, and ferments quickly at warmer temperatures.
Lagers
These brews are refreshing and crisp and come in a variety of flavors. Some may be sweet, while others are bitter and dark. The majority are highly carbonated and paler in comparison to ales. Lagers are the world’s most popular beer. The name comes from the German word meaning “to store.” The beer is fermented at almost freezing temperatures for long periods of time.
The Hybrid
Other types of beer include hybrid beers, which are created by combining lager and ale brewing styles, and specialty beers, which are beers that have added flavors not commonly associated with traditional styles of beer.
As you can see, the possibilities are endless when it comes to beer making. Every generation finds new innovations and ways to create flavor and texture in beer. Let’s explore some of these sub-groups and their common characteristics.
Ales
As the oldest form of beer, this style has a range of variability and colors, from a rich gold to deep amber. Because hops helped with preservation before the invention of modern preservatives and refrigeration, these ales tend to have bold flavors, sometimes fruity or spicy, and a pleasantly hoppy finish. There are the famous India Pale Ales, which have a strong, hop-forward flavor, as well as the more subtle and delicate Belgian Style Ales. Darker color means a more full bodied, assertive flavor, while a lighter color indicates a complicated, delicate profile.
Lagers
Lagers, usually lighter and with less variation across style than ales, have a crisp and refreshing taste due to their storage in near-freezing temperatures and extended aging process. These range in color from pale to black, with corresponding sweetness or bitterness, and are generally highly carbonated. Most lagers are lighter in color, being the common basis for many mass-produced brands of beer. There is less hoppiness than in ales, but with a clean, palette soothing finish. These beers are perfect on a sunny summer afternoon, ideal for relaxing and escaping the heat. Best served cold, which will bring out the spice and fruit flavors, and poured into a glass to allow the beer to develop and breathe.
Stouts and Porters
There is only a subtle distinction between stouts and porters, though they are important and immediately noticeable even to a novice beer-drinker. Stouts are an increasingly popular beer, noted for the complexity of flavors and textures.
Stouts and porters are both ales, brewed with top fermenting yeasts. The ingredients used, and how they are prepared, impart the colors, flavors, and aromas commonly associated with these beers. Stouts are mildly sweet, but can be bitter with rich, creamy foam. The flavors and colors come from the barley added during the brewing process. How the added barley is prepared is a major determining factor for flavor, with roasted barley drawing coffee notes and astringency to the brew. Porters are dark brown with a dry, fruity flavor profile and are made with malts that are added for flavor and aroma.
Amber
There are amber-style lagers and ales available that get their color from malts added during the process. The name comes from the tint of the final product, which will have a slightly caramel flavoring with a smooth finish.Not quite as sweet as the malt-style, amber-style beers are good by themselves or along with peanuts, crackers, cheese or your favorite pub snacks. Amber Lagers are often more highly carbonated, and are great with a light meal of fish or greens.
Blonde
This style of ale is popular for its refreshing, crisp flavor, which includes a slight bitterness and a sweet and spicy aroma. They tend to be very pale in color, and have a dry bite to them that goes well with dessert or a sandwich. Most popular during the summer, these ales are a fantastic way to refresh oneself after a long hike or bike ride. They are brewed using malts and hops, which impart special aromas and flavors.
Dark
Dark ales are traditionally an English beer that is very popular during the winter and fall. It usually has a medium brown color and resembles chestnuts in appearance and flavor. It is especially popular to spice these beers, which contrasts nicely with the bitter, fruity flavors that characterize dark ales. These are commonly the kind of beer marketed as a “Winter Warmer” because of their cozy feeling imparted by the black currant and clove aromas associated with them.
Never Fear When You Have Beer
Beer is historically and culturally associated with rewards at the end of a day of labor. Hopefully this guide will enable you to get the most out of your time spent relaxing beside a cold brew. Once you have found styles you like, try different variations and branch out. As always, never fear asking for your server’s suggestions, because they are often the most knowledgeable about an establishment’s selection of beers.
Regardless of your beer expertise, stop by Cazuela’s Mexican Grill and Brewery. Our bartenders will help you find the right drink for you. Our craft beers are brewed by Master Brewer Michael Campbell, who has been in the business for more than two decades. Additionally, our craft beers are fermented in a 7-barrel brew system.
Stop by and enjoy one of our freshly brewed beers. If you find a brew you like, take it home in a half-gallon growler to enjoy at your leisure. If beer still isn’t for you, we also offer delicious margaritas and wine.