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United States
Key Takeaways
So, How Many Types of Beer Are There?
There is no fixed worldwide total. The Brewers Association recognizes hundreds of different beers, while the 2026 World Beer Cup covered 186 named variations across 113 beer categories. The number keeps growing as brewers revive regional recipes, experiment with ingredients and introduce new classifications - Rice Lager joined the official guidelines in 2026.
Most beers begin with two broad families: ales and lagers. The difference comes mainly from the yeast and fermentation process, not the beer’s color, strength or bitterness. Sour, wild, hybrid and mixed-fermentation beers make the family tree a little less tidy.
The main types of beer - top 13 explained
IPA has become America's signature craft beer style, loved for its bold hop aroma and vibrant flavors. Depending on the style, you'll find everything from grapefruit and pine to mango, passionfruit, and stone fruit. Whether you're new to craft beer or a longtime hop fan, there's an IPA for every palate.
Pinter's US range includes favorites like BrewDog Punk IPA Remixed, Appalachian Mountain Brewery Tropical IPA, and BrewDog Hazy Jane Remixed for brewery-fresh beer at home.
Lager remains America's most popular beer style thanks to its smooth, refreshing character and easy drinkability. Brewed with bottom-fermenting yeast at cooler temperatures, it delivers subtle malt sweetness with a clean finish that's perfect for any occasion.
If you're brewing with Pinter, En Casa Mexican Lager offers a crisp, refreshing take on the style that's ideal for warm days and backyard barbecues.
American Pale Ale strikes the perfect balance between malt and hops. More approachable than an IPA but more flavorful than a standard lager, it's known for bright citrus aromas, gentle pine notes, and a crisp finish.
Pinter offers excellent examples, including Stars & Stripes American Pale Ale and Great Lakes Burning River Remixed American Pale Ale, both showcasing the style's classic American hop character.
Hard cider has become a staple of the American craft beverage scene, offering a refreshing alternative to beer without sacrificing flavor. Made from fermented apples, it's naturally fruity, crisp, and incredibly easy to drink.
Pinter's Whole Nine Yards Cloudy Apple Cider delivers fresh apple character with a balanced sweetness, making it a brilliant choice for cider lovers.
Dark in color but packed with flavor, stout is famous for its roasted malt profile and notes of coffee, cocoa, and dark chocolate. Despite its rich appearance, many stouts are surprisingly smooth and approachable.
If you enjoy brewing darker beers, Dark Matter Classic Stout and Shadow & Cream Irish Cream Stout are standout choices in the Pinter lineup.
Pilsner is a lighter, more hop-forward version of lager, originally developed in the Czech Republic but now brewed around the world. Its refreshing finish and delicate floral hop character make it one of the easiest beers to enjoy year-round.
Snap Pilsner captures everything people love about this timeless style.
Hefeweizen is Germany's classic wheat beer, brewed with a high proportion of wheat for a silky body and hazy appearance. Signature banana and clove flavors come from the yeast rather than added fruit or spices, creating a refreshing beer that's especially popular during warmer months.
If you enjoy Belgian-inspired wheat beers, Golden Grove Belgian Wit offers a similarly bright, citrus-forward experience.
Porter helped shape modern dark beer long before stout became famous. Generally lighter in body than a stout, it emphasizes chocolate, caramel, and toasted malt while keeping roasted bitterness in check.
Amber Ale offers richer malt flavor than Pale Ale without the bold bitterness of an IPA. Notes of caramel, toasted bread, and biscuit make it an easy-drinking style that pairs well with burgers, barbecue, and grilled foods.
If you're after a classic amber-style beer, Iron Maiden Trooper Remixed British Beer is a great fit.
Sour ales are intentionally tart, delivering bright acidity and refreshing fruit flavors that stand apart from traditional beer styles. They're ideal for warm weather and pair exceptionally well with spicy food and fresh seafood.
Razz Session Sour Ale offers juicy berry notes balanced by a clean, refreshing finish.
Brown Ale is a wonderfully balanced style that showcases rich malt flavors without becoming heavy. Expect notes of toasted nuts, caramel, cocoa, and fresh bread, all supported by gentle bitterness. It's a great choice for drinkers who enjoy malt-forward beers but don't want the intensity of a stout or porter.
Double IPA takes everything people love about IPA and turns it up a notch. Bigger hop aromas, higher alcohol, and a fuller body make this one of America's defining craft beer styles.
If you're chasing bold hop character, Space Hopper Double IPA and Lagunitas Super Cluster Remixed Double IPA are two of Pinter's standout Fresh Presses.
Originating in Cologne, Germany, Kölsch combines the refreshing qualities of a lager with the delicate fruitiness of an ale. It's light-bodied, smooth, and exceptionally easy to drink, making it a favorite for warm afternoons and casual get-togethers.
If you enjoy clean, balanced beers with a touch more character than a standard lager, Kölsch is well worth exploring.
Ales vs lagers: What actually makes them different
| Lager | Ale |
|---|---|
| Bottom-fermenting yeast (Saccharomyces pastorianus) | Top-fermenting yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) |
| Fermented cold (typically 45–55°F/7–13°C) | Fermented warm (typically 59-75°F / 15-24°C) |
| Longer fermentation and conditioning (usually 3–8 weeks) | Faster fermentation (typically 1–3 weeks) |
| Crisp, clean, smooth flavor profile | Fruity, bold, more complex flavor profile |
| Usually 3.5-5.5% ABV, though stronger examples exist | Usually 3.5-8%+ ABV, depending on style |
| Examples: Pilsner, Helles, Mexican Lager, American Lager | Examples: IPA, Pale Ale, Stout, Porter, Brown Ale, Kölsch |
If you're looking for a light, refreshing beer, reach for a lager. If you want bigger hop character, richer malt flavors, or more variety, an ale is likely to be the better fit. Kölsch is technically an ale, although it's cold-conditioned like a lager, giving it characteristics of both styles.
Discover your favorite type of beer with Pinter
The best way to understand the differences between beer types is to taste them fresh. Pinter lets you brew a wide variety of beers at home, from hop-forward IPAs and smooth pale ales to crisp lagers, dark stouts, refreshing hard cider, and more.
Whether you're discovering a new favorite or recreating a brewery classic, every pour is brewed fresh by you.
Which Type of Beer Should You Try First?
If you're just getting into beer, start with a style that's easy to enjoy. Lagers are light, crisp, and refreshing, making them a great introduction. If you want a little more flavor without too much bitterness, an American Pale Ale is a solid choice, while hard cider offers a fruity alternative that's just as refreshing.
Ready to branch out? Try an IPA for bold hop character, a stout for rich coffee and chocolate notes, or a sour ale if you enjoy bright, tart flavors. Exploring different types of beer is the best way to discover what you like.
When you're ready to brew at home, Pinter makes it easy to try them fresh. Whether it's En Casa Mexican Lager, Stars & Stripes American Pale Ale, Whole Nine Yards Cloudy Apple Cider, or BrewDog Punk IPA Remixed, every Fresh Press is brewed by you and enjoyed at its freshest.
Brew any of these beer types fresh at home
Pinter lets you make 12 pints of fresh draft beer in days, with Fresh Presses starting at just over $2 a pint and a free machine when you sign up for a flexible beer plan.
GET YOUR PINTER TODAYBeer Types: Your Questions Answered
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About the author
Jess D’Amico
Community Director
Jess D'Amico is one of Pinter's brewing experts, here to share everything she knows and keep the brewing community connected with the team behind the scenes.
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