Probably the most popular type of be is the lager beer. Lager, which in German translates "to store", is usually served at a cool temperature rather than room temperature. Lager beer is made by aging the beer in large kegs and giving it the yeast an opportunity to settle. As a result, the beer is crisp, with a delicate flavor. Lager takes more time than most beers to make, because of the aging process.
Bock beer is a different type of fermented beer. It gets its name from Einbeck, Germany, a town known for beer brewing. Bock beer is heavier and darker than lager. The darker color comes from the malts used to brew it.
Ales are another type of beer and are generally served at room temperature. Even though individual ales have their own distinctive flavor, they all share some commonalities: fruitiness, some acidity, and a slightly bitter aftertaste that is actually good. The aging and brewing times for ales is slower than for the lagers.
Porter and stout beers also differ from lagers and ales. These beers can be sweet or dry, made from oats, roasted malt barley, or flavored with sugar. Porter and stouts have a characteristic deep coloring and depth in taste - the perfect accompaniment to meat or fish. A traditional fine meal in Europe consists of oysters and stout.
You've probably heard the term "dry" applied to beer. If you have wondered what it means, it's telling you that it has fermented for longer than other beers, and most of the sugar has become alcohol. Dry beer tastes crisp, is clear and has little or no aftertaste.
Micro breweries have become extremely popular in recent years. They reside in countries worldwide and are great places to visit. Not only do you get to sample their beer, but you also learn about the culture in the region you are visiting.
