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United Kingdom
Key takeaways
So, how many types of beer are there?
There is no single worldwide total, as beer can be classified by its yeast, fermentation method, ingredients, strength, colour and origin. The current Beer Judge Certification Program guide contains 34 main categories and well over 100 named varieties, from pale lagers and British bitters to lambics, smoked beers and experimental brews.
Broadly, most beers are grouped as ales or lagers, while wild and mixed-fermentation beers are often treated separately.
The main types of beer- top 13 explained
Lager is the world's best-loved beer style, known for its refreshing character and clean finish. Brewed at cooler temperatures with bottom-fermenting yeast, it delivers delicate malt flavours balanced by gentle hop bitterness. It's an easy-drinking style that pairs with almost anything, making it a staple in pubs across the UK.
If you fancy brewing your own, Pinter offers several excellent options, including En Casa Mexican Lager and Sunlit Lager, both designed for a fresh, crisp pint at home.
IPA is the beer that fuelled the craft beer revolution. Expect bold hop aromas, bright citrus notes and a satisfying bitterness that lingers after every sip. Whether you prefer a classic British IPA or a juicy modern version, there's plenty to explore.
Pinter's UK range includes favourites such as BrewDog Punk IPA Remixed, Public House IPA, and Space Hopper Double IPA for hop lovers.
Pale ale offers a brilliant balance between malt sweetness and hop character, making it one of the easiest craft beer styles to enjoy. It's flavourful without being overpowering and works just as well with food as it does on its own.
On Pinter, you'll find excellent examples including Adnams Ghost Ship Remixed Pale Ale and Stars & Stripes American Pale Ale.
Rich, dark and wonderfully comforting, stout is packed with roasted malt character that brings flavours of coffee, cocoa and dark chocolate. Despite its appearance, many stouts are surprisingly smooth and easy to drink.
If you're brewing at home, Pinter's Dark Matter Classic Stout and Shadow & Cream Irish Cream Stout are excellent places to start.
A proper British pub classic, bitter is all about balance rather than big hop flavours. Gentle caramel sweetness meets traditional English hops to create an easy-drinking pint that's stood the test of time.
Pinter's Ancestor's British Bitter stays true to this much-loved style.
Sour ales deliberately embrace acidity, creating bright, refreshing beers that are completely different from traditional lagers or ales. Fruity, tangy and incredibly refreshing, they're especially popular during the summer months.
If you'd like to brew one at home, Razz Session Sour Ale brings plenty of berry flavour with a crisp finish.
Pilsner is a lighter, hop-forward style of lager that originated in the Czech Republic. Its clean finish and delicate floral hop character make it one of the world's most refreshing beers.
If this is your style, Snap Pilsner delivers everything you'd expect from a classic pilsner brewed fresh at home.
Brewed with a high proportion of wheat, wheat beers are naturally hazy with a soft, smooth mouthfeel. German versions often bring banana and clove notes, while Belgian styles lean towards citrus and spice. They're refreshing, light, and ideal for warm afternoons.
If you're after a Belgian-inspired wheat beer, Golden Grove Belgian Wit is a great choice.
Porter laid the foundations for many modern dark beers. Compared with stout, it's often lighter in body, with softer roasted flavours and more pronounced chocolate and caramel notes.
For an authentic take on the style, try Guinness Dublin Porter, Brewers Edition, brewed fresh with Pinter.
Amber ales put malt centre stage, delivering rich caramel and biscuit flavours balanced by gentle hop bitterness. They're fuller than pale ales without becoming as bitter as many IPAs, making them a brilliant all-round choice.
If you're looking for something similar, Iron Maiden Trooper Remixed British Beer offers a satisfyingly malty, amber-style pint.
Germany's traditional dark lager is proof that dark beers don't have to be heavy. Dunkel focuses on smooth malt flavours, with notes of fresh bread, caramel and gentle toast rather than intense roastiness. It's a wonderfully balanced style that deserves far more attention.
Barleywine is one of the strongest traditional beer styles you'll come across. Rich, warming and packed with layers of caramel, dried fruit and toffee, it's a beer made for slow sipping rather than long sessions. Many examples also develop extra complexity when aged.
Rauchbier is unlike almost any other beer. Brewed using malt dried over beechwood fires, it carries distinctive smoky flavours that can remind drinkers of bacon, campfires or smoked cheese. It's certainly an acquired taste, but one that's well worth exploring if you enjoy trying something different.
Ales vs lagers: What actually makes them different
| Lagers | Ales |
|---|---|
| Bottom-fermenting yeast (Saccharomyces pastorianus) | Top-fermenting yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) |
| Fermented cold (typically 7-13°C) | Fermented warm (typically 15-24°C) |
| Slower fermentation and conditioning (usually 3-8 weeks, sometimes longer) | Faster fermentation (typically 1-3 weeks) |
| Crisp, clean, refreshing flavour profile | Fruity, complex, fuller-bodied flavour profile |
| Usually 3.5-5.5% ABV, though stronger examples exist | Usually 3.5-7%+ ABV, depending on style |
| Examples: Pilsner, Helles, Vienna Lager, Mexican Lager | Examples: IPA, Pale Ale, Stout, Porter, British Bitter, Mild |
Neither is better - they're simply brewed differently. If you enjoy a crisp, refreshing pint, lager is a great choice. If you're after bolder flavours and more variety, ales offer everything from hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts.
Discover your favourite type of beer with Pinter
Reading about different beer types is one thing. Brewing and tasting them fresh is another. With Pinter, you can explore everything from crisp lagers and bold IPAs to rich stouts, classic British bitters and refreshing sours, all brewed at home.
It's one of the easiest ways to discover what you enjoy most while experiencing every style at its freshest.
Which type of beer should you try first?
If you're new to beer, don't overthink it. Start with a style that matches the flavours you already enjoy. Lagers are crisp, clean and refreshing, making them an easy introduction. If you like something with a little more character, a pale ale offers balanced malt and hop flavours, while a British bitter is a great next step for anyone who enjoys traditional pub beer.
Feeling more adventurous? Explore hop-forward IPAs, rich stouts or tangy sour ales to discover a completely different side of beer. There's no right or wrong choice; it's all about finding the types of beer that suit your taste.
Once you've found a style you enjoy, brewing it fresh at home is a great way to experience it at its best. Whether that's En Casa Mexican Lager, Snap Pilsner, Ancestor's British Bitter or BrewDog Punk IPA Remixed, Pinter lets you enjoy every pint exactly as the brewer intended.
Brew any of these beer types fresh at home
Pinter makes 10 pints of fresh draught beer in days, with Fresh Presses starting at just under £1.50 a pint and no upfront machine cost when you choose a flexible beer plan.
GET YOUR PINTER TODAYTypes of beer: Your questions answered
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About the author
Charlie Howsego
Community Executive
As Pinter's Community Executive, Charlie loves nothing more than helping people discover the joy of brewing at home. Through his writing, he shares practical tips, brewing insights, and a genuine passion for fresh beer.