If you’ve ever stood in front of a giant beer menu, feeling totally lost, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Beer comes in so many styles, but once you know the basics, it’s easy to pick one you’ll love.
Let’s break down the most popular types of beer in a fun and simple way.
1. Lager – The Smooth One
🔹 Tastes like: Crisp, light, and refreshing
🔹 Popular Brands: Budweiser, Heineken, Coors
Lagers are the most common beers in the world. They are smooth, easy to drink, and don’t have a strong flavor. If you’re new to beer, a lager is a great place to start.
👉 Best for: Hot summer days, BBQs, and watching sports.
2. IPA (India Pale Ale) – The Hoppy One
🔹 Tastes like: Citrus, pine, and floral flavors with a bitter kick
🔹 Popular Brands: Sierra Nevada, Dogfish Head, Stone IPA
IPAs are bold, hoppy, and full of flavor. The “hops” (a type of flower used in brewing) give it a bitter taste, but many IPAs also have citrusy or tropical notes.
👉 Best for: People who love bold flavors, craft beer fans, and trying new things.
3. Stout – The Dark and Creamy One
🔹 Tastes like: Coffee, chocolate, and roasted malt
🔹 Popular Brands: Guinness, Left Hand Milk Stout, Murphy’s Stout
Stouts are thick, dark, and rich. Some are creamy (like Milk Stout), while others have a dry, roasted flavor (like Guinness). They might look strong, but many are actually pretty smooth.
👉 Best for: Cold nights, sipping slowly, and chocolate lovers.
4. Pilsner – The Fancy Lager
🔹 Tastes like: Crisp, clean, and slightly bitter
🔹 Popular Brands: Pilsner Urquell, Stella Artois, Bitburger
A pilsner is a type of lager, but it has more flavor and a little bit of bitterness from hops. It’s still light and easy to drink, just with a little more kick.
👉 Best for: People who want a little more flavor than a basic lager.
5. Wheat Beer – The Fruity One
🔹 Tastes like: Light, slightly sweet, and sometimes citrusy
🔹 Popular Brands: Blue Moon, Hoegaarden, Allagash White
Wheat beers are smooth and easy to drink. Many have hints of orange, coriander, or banana (yes, banana!). Some people even serve them with a slice of lemon or orange.
👉 Best for: Brunch, summer afternoons, and anyone who says, “I don’t like beer.”
6. Sour Beer – The Tangy One
🔹 Tastes like: Tart, fruity, and refreshing
🔹 Popular Brands: Rodenbach, Gose, Lindemans
Sours taste nothing like regular beer. They can be super tart (like lemonade) or have sweet fruity flavors (like raspberry or cherry). They’re great if you want something totally different.
👉 Best for: People who like kombucha, cider, or anything fruity.
7. Porter – The Stout’s Lighter Cousin
🔹 Tastes like: Roasty, chocolatey, but lighter than a stout
🔹 Popular Brands: Founders Porter, Deschutes Black Butte Porter
Porters are dark like stouts but aren’t as heavy. They have flavors of caramel, coffee, and chocolate, making them smooth and delicious.
👉 Best for: Fans of coffee, cozy nights, and slow sipping.
Which Beer Should You Try?
🍺 If you like light and crisp → Try a Lager or Pilsner
🍺 If you like strong and hoppy → Go for an IPA
🍺 If you like dark and rich → Pick a Stout or Porter
🍺 If you like sweet and fruity → Grab a Wheat Beer or Sour
Beer isn’t just “beer.” There are so many flavors to explore! Next time you order, try something new—you might find a new favorite.
What’s your go-to beer? Drop a comment below! 🍻
