Availability and types of beer
Beer is a beverage found in many countries around the world. It is produced in breweries and then sold in supermarkets, beverage stores, pubs or restaurants. You can get beer in bottles, cans or on tap (commonly called “on draught”). There are also specialty beer shops and online stores that offer many different varieties, from basic brands to rare special beers.
Where does beer come from?
Beer is very old and was invented thousands of years ago. The basic idea is similar everywhere: grains, water, hops and yeast are processed to make a beverage. The ingredients come from nature:
- Barley (or sometimes wheat): This is the grain, similar to rice or corn. It is grown and later malted so that the starch becomes sugar that the yeast can consume. Barley grows in cool and temperate regions, for example in Germany, England, Canada, Russia or the USA.
- Hops: This is a plant with small cones that gives beer bitterness and many aromas. Hops are grown especially in parts of Germany (for example Hallertau), in the Czech Republic, the USA (e.g. the state of Washington) and New Zealand.
- Yeast: These are tiny microorganisms that convert sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Yeast is not “grown” like a plant; it is cultured in labs and breweries.
- Water: Water is the largest component in beer. Depending on how the water tastes, the beer also changes a bit.
What kinds and variants exist?
Beer exists in many forms. They can be grouped into broad categories to make it easier to understand:
Beer exists in many forms. They can be grouped into broad categories to make it easier to understand:
- Lager: Light, often clear beers that are fermented cold. They usually taste mild and fresh. A comparison: lager is like a simple, refreshing flavored water.
- Ale: These beers ferment somewhat warmer and often have fruitier aromas. You can compare them to a cake with more spices.
- Pils: A light, usually fairly bitter beer with a clear color. It is very popular in Germany. Pils is like a sharp, spicy lemonade (for adults).
- Wheat beer (Hefeweizen): Made with wheat instead of only barley and often cloudy (not completely clear). It smells a bit of banana or clove – like a sweet fruit cake.
- Stout and Porter: Dark beers that recall coffee, chocolate or caramel. They are strong and heavier in taste.
- Alcohol-free beers: They look like normal beer but contain little or no alcohol and are intended for people who do not want to drink alcohol.
- Special and craft beers: Small breweries try many new flavors – with fruit, spices or unusual ingredients. It's like experimental ice cream with many different flavors.
In winter there are often Christmas or winter beers, and in spring and summer lighter varieties. Regionally there are local traditions: for example Weißbier is very popular in Bavaria, while pils is widespread in the Czech Republic. Overall beer is easy to obtain but comes in many different types, so there is something for almost every taste.
