The 10 most popular beer styles in the world

Many of us love beer; it is an international pleasure, deeply rooted in most cultures. Beer is refreshing, nutritious and fun. Its success is, frankly, deserved.

That said, not all beers are created equal. In fact, there are over 100 distinct styles of beer, from pale lagers to creamy stouts. There's a beer for every occasion and every palate, but some are more popular than others. Here are the 10 most popular beer styles in the world:

1. American Lager

This style is certainly among the most popular of all, present almost everywhere. American lagers are thoroughly fermented with lager yeasts, producing light, refreshing beers with little to no flavoring. You won't find any hop or malt aromas; these lagers are simple and easy to drink. Not very demanding.

2. International Lager

Very similar to American lagers, internationals are also very simple and always refreshing. They have few aromatic nuances, are always fermented with lager yeasts and have a low alcohol content by volume (between 4.6 and 6%). As with American Lagers, these popular beers are not craft but industrial and are often quite cheap.

3. American Pale Ale

This is where things get interesting because we're entering craft beer territory. These beers are fermented with a different yeast - brewer's yeast. This microorganism produces aromatic beers that can smell like fruit and freshly baked bread. American Pale Ales also have a more noticeable hop aroma and bitterness and a creamier mouthfeel than industrial lagers.

4. India Pale Ale (IPA)

Legend has it that the English began adding an extra dose of hops, the stabilizing flower that gives beers their bitterness, to protect them for the long journey to their colonies in India. The style is now realized everywhere on the planet. IPA beers are easily recognizable by their bitter flavor and intense aromas of citrus and tropical fruit. There are also double and triple IPAs, and they are even more bitter and particular.

5. Stout

These dark, almost black beers are made with roasted malt, which imparts coffee and chocolate flavors and a creamy mouthfeel. Stouts are made with brewer's yeast, so they have a complex nose. They may overwhelm the inexperienced, but the flavor and intensity of the aroma are very satisfying and intriguing.

6. Wheat beer

These beers are very pleasant and are produced by adding wheat to the traditional ingredients. The more or less accentuated presence of wheat gives a rich sensation in the mouth, with aromas reminiscent of bread and tropical fruit, and sometimes a hazy and milky color and consistency. Wheat beers are very popular in Germany and Belgium, but can be found almost everywhere in other countries too.

7. Pilsner

The Pilsner style originated in the Czech Republic and was the style of the first blonde beer in history. Its pristine, spicy flavors soon became more popular than the dark beers of the time. This style is still immensely popular today. Liver and more complex than a regular Lager, Pilsner beers are a great transition beer if you want to move from industrial beer to craft beer.

8. Porter

This English style of stout is very similar to Stouts but is lighter and less intense. They are deep red in color instead of black and have a thinner head. Porters can also have chocolate and roasted coffee flavors, but they are maltier and more approachable than stouts.

9. American Brown Ale

Also called Amber Ale, this category corresponds to all brown or amber beers with a more aggressive flavor and medium body. Heavier than Pale Lagers or Blond Ales, but lighter than Porters and Stouts, these beers are quite pleasant and can offer flavors of caramel and butter.

10. Sour Beer (sour beer)

This strange specialty, mostly made in Belgium, allows for spontaneous fermentation, leading to beers with notable acidity and often extreme flavors that make the category unique. They are very particular beers, which divide enthusiasts. They are perfect for quenching your thirst during the hottest period of summer

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What are your favorite beer styles?

When it comes to beer, there is no right or wrong answer. All beer, as long as it is made with passion, is always welcome.

If it is artisanal and from a large Italian brewery then it is even better. Have a nice drink with one of our selections,click here.