Different Beer Styles and Their Origins
Summary
In this article, we discuss different beer styles and their origins, including Eisbock, Czech premium pale lager, American lager, German Leichtbie, and German Helles export beer. We also delve into the history of Belgian saison, German Kölsch, and pre-prohibition lager, and how the beer industry was affected by prohibition and other events, resulting in less variety and less flavorful beer until recent years where there has been a rise in artisanal products.
Table of Contents
- Eisbock
- Czech Premium Pale Lager
- American Lager
- German Leichtbie and Helles Export Beer
- Belgian Saison, German Kölsch, and Pre-Prohibition Lager
- British Malty Ale Group
- Scottish and Irish Malty Ale Group
Eisbock
Eisbock is a process of freezing beer to remove water and leave a more intense high alcohol product. It originated in Germany and is a unique style of beer that is not commonly found outside of Germany.
Czech Premium Pale Lager
Czech premium pale lager was originally called Bohemian Pilsner but was changed due to the fact that Pilsner is a German word and in the Czech Republic, Pilsner is a brand. Pilsner Reke was the first beer of its kind, brewed with soft water and pale malts, and transformed beer across Europe.
American Lager
American lager was made by German immigrants in the US and is a direct descendant of German Pils. It is a light beer with a mild taste that is popular in the US.
German Leichtbie and Helles Export Beer
German Leichtbie is a light beer, but more assertive than American light beer. German Helles export beer falls between German Pils and Munich.
Belgian Saison, German Kölsch, and Pre-Prohibition Lager
Belgian saison is a unique style of beer that originated in Belgium and is known for its fruity and spicy flavors. German Kölsch is a unique style of beer served in small glasses, where servers constantly replace empty glasses with full ones until the customer signals for them to stop by placing a coaster over their glass. Pre-prohibition lager is a historical style that represents the link between German Pils and American lager, and was brewed by German immigrants in the mid-1800s using ingredients available in the US.
British Malty Ale Group
Beer development was driven by consumers wanting variety in their products. Ales typically have fruity flavors from fermentation and lead with malt flavor. The British malty ale group ranges from pale to brown in color and includes dark mild, a highly sessionable beer, British brown ale, London brown ale, English barley wines, and old ale.
Scottish and Irish Malty Ale Group
The Scottish and Irish malty ale group includes Scottish light, Scottish heavy, Scottish export, wee heavy, and Irish red ale. Scottish ales should not be made with peated malt, and Irish red ale is a light and refreshing beer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the beer industry has a rich history with many unique styles of beer originating from different countries. From Eisbock to Belgian saison, German Kölsch, and pre-prohibition lager, there is a vast array of flavors to be enjoyed by beer enthusiasts. The rise of artisanal products in recent years has brought back variety and flavor to the beer industry, and we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the future.
