Beer has been around for centuries and our British history was built on the stuff! It quenched our thirst when water was too putrid to drink, saw us through many a battle and rewarded us after a hard day’s work. In honour of National Beer Day on 15th June 2015, we’ve chosen some types of beer that we believe have the most distinct characteristics, which one suits you the best?
Wheat Beer – Euro Trash?
Wheat beer, otherwise known as Weißbier from Germany meaning “White Beer”, is a cloudy beer and usually served cold with a slice of fruit to enhance the flavours. Your best Wheat Beers come from northern Europe, mainly from Belgium and Germany, these will be in tall glasses, with a thick creamy head.
Pick up a Pint: Hoegaarden from Belgium, Vedett White also from Belgium – what can we say, they make great beer! If you fancy something a little different to your European Wheat Beer, try Blue Moon made in the USA, it’s a Belgium-style Wheat Beer, but has a Mid-western feel.
Stout – Full Bodied?
Stout is a strong, creamy, flavourful beer. It’s made from malt that is dark roasted giving it deeper flavour and colour, and is actually made up of tiny bubbles that gradually then settle into it’s distinctive two-tone brown body and cream head.It has hints of coffee and chocolate, so works really well in cooking and baking!
Pick up a Pint: There is of course, the world famous Guinness, but why not track down Franciscan Well’s Shandon Stout, a smooth creamy Cork-style dry stout.
IPA – Curious Traveller?
IPA or Indian Pale Ale originates from when Britain colonised India in the 18th Century. Pale Ales is brewed from lighter malt, and has a lighter and sweeter flavour to other, more traditional ales. Contemporary American IPA’s are rising in popularity but many traditionalists would vouch that these are not technically IPAs!
Pick up a Pint: Feeling like an IPA with attitude? Then try Brew Dog’s Punk IPA. Or feeling more State-side? Try California’s Best; Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.
Best Bitter – Traditional & Uncompromising?
This is Britain’s Best. The classic Real Ale. Brewed the UK and usually with a lower ABV %, conveniently so that it can be slurped during lazy long afternoons propping up the bar in your local pub! Traditionally they will have British names, quite often with some Aviation association.
Pick up a Pint: Timothy Taylor’s Landlord is always a favourite. Another British favourite, would be a London Pride by Fullers Brewery.
Lager – Crowd Pleaser?
Lager (also known as Pilsner) is probably the most versatile of all beers, and certainly the most popular among drinkers nation wide. It’s light in colour and lively in nature, and definitely always best served cold, as is the advertising pitch of most TV ads.
Pick up a Pint: Where do we start, there are so many! If you’re a fan of the Spanish Lagers, go for a San Miguel or Estrella these are sure winner. If you like something a little lighter in flavour, American lagers such as Coors Light or Samuel Adams Boston Lager.
Fruit Beer – Fruity Non-conformist
The novel idea of brewing beer from different fruits is something a traditionalist may scoff at, however there are some brewers that offer some seriously good Fruit Beers. Think about your summer time Radlers or Shandies; mixing your favourite lager with lemonade and garnishing with a slice of lemon, Fruit Beers are just the next generation!
Pick up a Pint: Try New Belgium Brewer’s Peach Porch Lounger, a harmonious blend of citrus, tropical and yeasty malty flavours the peach adds a sweetness to balance it all out. Or go for something even more off the wall and try Wells and Young’s Banana Bread Beer; Wheat + Banana = Banana Bread!
Craft – Hipster with Moustache?
Craft beer is a growing movement within the beer world, it’s all about taking the brewing process back to the artisan craft it should be. “Micro” breweries are usually located somewhere in East London, owned by Shoreditch dwellers with coiffed hair and beards – but let’s not snicker, there’s no doubt they make good beer! Each “batch” is made in small quantities, to reserve the quality of the beer, keeping it unique and simply delicious.
Pick up a Pint: Growing in popularity is the Scottish based Brewery, Brew Dogs – you can’t really go wrong with these guys. Something a little more under the radar would be Burning Sky’s Arise, known as a session ale, it’s mouth-watering bitterness is softened by the rounding flavours of peach and pine.
So there you have it, a bunch of beer burbs to match your persona. Now get down the pub and pick up a pint!
