Best Beer Styles for Beginners: Types, Taste & What to Brew First at Home

What are Beer Styles? (and Why They Matter for Homebrewers)

Put simply, beer styles are different categories of beer. Each one is defined by its flavour, ingredients, and how it’s brewed.

Some are light and crisp. Others are rich and malty. Some lean bitter, others slightly sweet. That’s all down to the style.

For beginners, this matters more than you might think. Choosing the right beer style helps you:

It’s also worth knowing there’s no single global list of beer styles. What counts as a classic in the UK might differ slightly in the US or Europe. Also, styles evolve, and different regions put their own spin on them.

So, instead of overwhelming you with dozens of categories, we’ll keep it simple and focus on what actually works when brewing at home.

The 2 Main Types of Beer Styles

When you strip it back, most beer styles fall into two main categories: ales and lagers. Understanding these is the easiest way to get your head around the different styles of beer.

Ales (Easier for Beginners)

Ales are brewed using warm fermentation, which makes them more forgiving and ideal if you’re just getting started. They’re known for their variety of flavours.

You’ll often notice:

Because of how they ferment, ales are generally quicker and easier to brew at home. That’s why many first-time brewers start here.

Lagers (More Complex)

Lagers use cold fermentation, which creates that familiar clean, crisp taste most people recognise. They’re typically:

Traditionally, lagers need more control and patience, which can make them trickier for beginners. But this is where Pinter changes things.

With Pinter, even lagers become far more approachable. While they may take a bit longer to brew, the system is designed to keep the process simple and consistent, so you can focus on the end result rather than the complexity.

Just 3 simple steps - make (brew for 4-7 days), chill (3+ days to carbonate), then enjoy fresh draught beer straight from your Pinter.

Beer Styles Explained By Taste (Simple Beginner Framework)

The easiest way to understand the different styles of beer is by taste. Once you know what you like, choosing what to brew becomes much simpler.

Light & Crisp Styles

Think easy-drinking and refreshing.

Examples: lager, pilsner
Taste: clean, crisp, refreshing

These are the beers most people recognise straight away. Subtle flavours, highly drinkable, and great if you prefer something light.

Hoppy & Bitter Styles

Bolder, punchier, and full of character.

Examples: IPA, pale ale
Taste: citrus, pine, noticeable bitterness

These styles lean heavily on hops, giving them that sharp, zesty edge. They are one of the most popular modern beer styles, especially among craft beer fans.

Malty & Smooth Styles

Balanced and slightly sweeter.

Examples: amber ale, brown ale
Taste: caramel, toffee, smooth finish

Less about bitterness, more about depth. These are easy to enjoy if you prefer a rounder, softer flavour.

Dark & Rich Styles

Full-bodied and intense.

Examples: stout, porter
Taste: coffee, chocolate, roasted notes

Darker beers bring deeper flavours. Think richness, warmth, and a more indulgent drinking experience.

Seasonal & Classic Styles

These are worth calling out for their character and timing.

Oktoberfest Lager - Smooth, malty, and slightly richer than a standard lager. Traditionally brewed for autumn, it’s a great choice if you want something a bit more festive and full-bodied as the seasons change.

British Bitter - A true pub classic. Balanced, sessionable, and gently malty with a touch of bitterness. If you enjoy traditional UK beer styles, this is one of the most approachable to start with.

Beer Styles Chart

Here’s a clear, practical way to understand the main types and styles of beer based on taste and what they’re best for:

How To Choose The Right Beer Style To Brew At Home

Choosing the right beer style isn’t about picking the most popular one. It’s about finding what suits your taste and your setup. Here’s how to make the right call:

1. Start with Your Taste Preference

Think about what you already enjoy drinking.

If you start with a style you already like, you’re far more likely to enjoy the end result.

2. Consider Brewing Difficulty

Beer brewing styles don’t all behave the same.

That said, brewing with Pinter removes much of that complexity. Even styles that used to feel advanced become manageable for beginners.

3. Use The Right Equipment

Your equipment makes a bigger difference than most beginners realise. With Pinter, the process is simplified into a few clear steps, giving you:

So instead of worrying about technique, you can focus on choosing the right style and enjoying the process. Explore our beers here to find your best fit.

Experience The Pinter Difference

No complicated equipment. No steep learning curve. Just a simple way to brew fresh draught beer at home, whenever you want it.

Whether you start with a crisp lager, a balanced amber ale, or something darker and richer, the process stays the same. Straightforward. Consistent. Designed for beginners.

You don’t need to master every style. You just need to start with one you’ll enjoy.

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About the author

Will Kirkham

Head Brewer

Will leads brewing at Pinter, turning fresh ingredients into crisp, drinkable beer that anyone can make at home.