Associations In The Beer Industry

So who gets the say in regards to what style is what? Who defines styles like Ale, Stout, and Lager? Well, on an objective scale the Brewers Association (BA), the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP), and the North American Beer Association (NABA) issue guidelines for almost 100 different types of beers and cider. The Brewers Association is the main one keeping the definitions of beer styles up-to-date, including new and upcoming styles or variants as they get more popular - for example, The Hazy IPA which has become a household name over the past couple of years.

These guidelines differ slightly from one another but most brewers and home brewers use these to develop recipes. The definitions provided by these associations are also used by judges at many annual beer festivals and award shows.

To be able to understand the differences and similarities between some of the most popular beer styles and their many variants, helps new fanatics learn the ropes by identifying a few major styles and what categories they fall into.

What Is A Beer Style?

How beer is categorized is generally known as a “style”. Typically, beer styles have defined ranges of ABV (alcohol by volume), aromas, color, and other factors like special ingredients. To us, brewing beer is both a science and an art. Some brewers love to brew traditional styles to the minutest details, while others, such as ourselves, love to indulge in a few unorthodox practices, and some throw definitions and guidelines completely out the window. Styles are there to help the beer drinker, by letting them know what to expect.

Differences Between Beer Styles

Well everyone understands that a Pilsner looks and tastes different from an IPA, but what is the reason for the difference?

The secret lies in the beer recipe. The types of hops, grains, and yeast were chosen for the portions, and even the water have an impact on the taste, color, and ABV of the beer. Furthermore, if we add ingredients like spices, fruit, peels, or coffee makes a major difference. Beers - even with the same styles - are different because it comes down to the exact composition of the original ingredients.

Genres of Music are a great example when it comes to describing different styles of Beer. For example, “Hip Hop” might have been created using a certain type of technology, instruments, and even though it was first defined decades ago, it has evolved and is still evolving with coming generations. There are many sub-genres under the umbrella of Hip Hop. Every artist who picks up the mic, sets a personal touch to the genre, even including aspects of other genres, and the same mic or instruments can also be used to play rock or jazz.

The four main ingredients are water, grain, hops, and yeast. These four band together and can deliver any request you can imagine. The brewers play the role of the chefs at a 5-star fine dining restaurant, creating unique flavors and recipes with every new beer.

Ales And Lagers. What’s The Difference?

For people who want to get into beer drinking, especially young adults, these two main styles are the best gateway toward understanding the world of craft beer. Every single beer, ever brewed is either an ale or a lager, in its fundamental core. The primary difference is the group of yeast strains used in their fermentations.

Yeast is the main differentiator here. In Lagers (saccharomyces pastorianus), yeast accumulates at the bottom of the tank during the fermentation process. Normally crisp, lagers are clean and refreshing. Lager yeast requires a slower and colder fermentation process.

Ales (saccharomyces cerevisiae), has the yeast gathering toward the top of the tank, resulting in an aromatic and often fruity product. The yeast strain used to make Ale produces a faster and warmer fermentation.

Misconceptions are common for both of these styles. Ales are normally assumed to be stronger than lagers, or ales are darker in color and lagers are always pale. In actuality, the only difference is always the yeast. There are many variants of dark lager styles and light ales with low ABVs.

The Final Verdict As Brewers

At the end of the day, it’s an art form to us brewers all over the world. Style definitions and guidelines are just guidelines, aren’t they? Nothing is set in stone!

We are evolving humans who always tend to rebel against every guideline. In our own ways, we try to construct a sense of self-expression in everything we do. And who’s to say that’s not the case with brewing beer? As brewers, we will keep innovating beer as we know it. Hoping it will only keep evolving for future generations to enjoy it, just like we are now, and our ancestors did in the past.

Pilsners vs Lagers: Who’ll Win The Battle Of Supremacy?

In the realm of beer, where frothy ales and hoppy IPAs reign, there lies a dichotomy between the two styles - the crisp and refreshing Pilsners and the smooth and balanced Lagers. They have been the staple beers of drinkers for centuries, each with its distinct characteristics, history, and following. But as the beer world evolves, the question arises - which of these styles will reign supreme in the future of beer?

Beer trends come and go, and the rise and fall of certain styles are often dictated by consumer preferences. Surveys have shown that the demand for lighter beers, such as Pilsners and Lagers, has increased in recent years, especially among health-conscious drinkers. Breweries in Arizona, and across the country, have taken notice and have begun to incorporate these styles into their beer portfolios.

What Is The Difference Between Pilsners and Lagers?

Pilsners, originating from the Czech Republic, are known for their light and crisp flavor profile, with a trace of moderate bitterness and a clean finish. They are often brewed with pilsner malt, a type of pale malt, and a balanced combination of hops. The result is a beer that is light in color and body; and provides a refreshing taste that is perfect for warm weather.

Growth in popularity of Pilsners: According to a report by the Brewers Association, Pilsner was the fastest-growing beer style in the United States in 2018, with a growth rate of 28%. Brewers Association, "2018 Beer Style Trends.”

Lagers, on the other hand, are known for their smooth and balanced taste profile. Unlike Pilsners, they are brewed with a different yeast strain, which ferments at a lower temperature and over a while. This results in a beer that is smoother, with a milder flavor, and a clean finish. They are also lighter in color, with a balanced bitterness, and are often served as the perfect complement to food.

Lagers are also considered one of the best food-pairing options. A survey conducted by the Beer Institute stated that 67% of beer drinkers believe that Lagers are the best style of beer for food pairing. Beer Institute, "Beer and Food Pairing Survey 2019."

Both Pilsners and Lagers are growing in popularity in the craft beer industry. Pilsners evidently experienced the highest growth surplus among beer styles and Lagers instigated the overall growth of the craft beer market. Lighter beers, primarily Pilsners and Lagers, are becoming increasingly popular due to their perceived health benefits, and Lagers are being chosen as the best option for food pairing.

Are Pilsners And Lagers The Healthiest Options?

Health attributes have become a major consideration for beer drinkers, and this has helped the popularity of Pilsners and Lagers to grow. Both styles are low in calories and carbohydrates, making them a popular choice among health-conscious drinkers. Furthermore, Pilsners and Lagers are often brewed with high-quality ingredients, which means they contain fewer preservatives and additives, making them a healthier option than other styles of beer.

As the demand for lighter beers continues to grow, the brewing industry has been quick to respond. Breweries have begun to experiment with new recipes, ingredients, and techniques to create unique and innovative versions of Pilsners and Lagers. From fruit-infused Pilsners to hoppy Lagers, there has never been a better time for beer drinkers to try these styles.

The Battle Has Just Begun!

In conclusion, Pilsners and Lagers are two of the most popular styles of beer, and as the beer world continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see which of these styles will reign supreme. While Pilsners offer a crisp and refreshing taste, Lagers provide a smooth and balanced flavor that is perfect for food pairing. Both styles have their unique attributes, and the future of beer will likely see continued growth in popularity for both Pilsners and Lagers.

So, raise a glass of crisp Pilsner or smooth Lager and savor the taste of a timeless tradition. The future of beer is bright, and the choice between Pilsners and Lagers is yours to make. Which will you choose? The battle for supremacy in the future of beer has just begun.

Hazy IPA - The New King of Craft Beer?

Hailing from the astute land of England in the 19th century, IPA (India pale ale) was originally a pale ale-style beer with increased hop flavors and aromas. If you talk to IPA lovers, they’ll tell you that this style is more hop-forward, resulting in the bitterness and fruity qualities of the hops overlapping other flavor features.

For centuries, IPAs have received an overwhelming amount of acceptance from beer lovers around the world. English brewers typically focus on a more prominent malt flavor and modest hop aroma and taste. IPAs nowadays have evolved towards broader definitions because of the numerous substyles, pushing the boundaries of ABV concentrations, consistent use of unusual ingredients, and experimenting with processes.

So…What Is A Hazy IPA?

Let’s dive into the trend that’s taking the craft beer industry by storm. The rise in popularity of this certain style of brewed beer is an anomaly in itself. According to reports published by Drizly (an alcohol delivery app) in 2020, there was an astonishing 761% bump in year-over-year sales growth.

It’s in the name, Hazy IPA, which suggests an unpasteurized, unfiltered, and usually cloudy IPA. In 2003, the famous Vermont brewery The Alchemist released a delightful IPA of this style. In the late 2000s, Brewer from the East Coast started experimenting with similar versions which resulted in what we now know as Hazy IPAs. With a relatively strong hop aroma and tropical fruit flavor, it is an American IPA for sure.

Majorly dry-hopped to achieve the iconic haziness, a fuller body, smoother flavor and aroma, and lesser IBUs than standard IPAs, the Hazy IPA is a style loved across the states. Its hazy formation gives it a fruitier essence, it’s also unfiltered and has lower bitterness levels than classic IPA and sub-IPA categories. 

What Makes Hazy IPAs Different From Standard IPAs?

As a relatively new style of India Pale Ale, the main difference between hazy IPAs and standard IPAs is in the appearance and mouthfeel. Hazy IPAs are characterized by a cloudy or hazy appearance due to high levels of protein and yeast in the beer, while standard IPAs are typically clear and crisp.

In terms of taste, hazy IPAs are known for their juicy, fruity flavors and aromas, often featuring notes of citrus and tropical fruits. They also tend to have a softer, creamier mouthfeel than standard IPAs. This is due to the use of different types of hops and yeast, as well as the addition of wheat and oats to the malt bill.

Hazy IPAs are also significantly lower in bitterness compared to standard IPAs. This is achieved by using a different type of hop called a "late addition" hop, which is added later in the brewing process.

This results in a beer that is less bitter but still packed with a luscious mouth-watering flavor. They have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in the craft beer scene. They are frequently sought after for their unique flavor profile, and some breweries have even begun to pursue a specialization in this style. While hazy IPAs may not be for everyone, they offer a new and exciting twist on the classic IPA style that is worth trying.

As mentioned before, hazy IPAs are not a new style of beer, but rather a variation of the IPA style, and the haze is not an intended feature but a byproduct of the brewing process, and the beer can be brewed with infection, and lack of clarity is a sign of a poorly brewed beer, not a stylistic feature.

CHEERS!