WHAT IS BEER

Beer. What is this thing we love? Quite simply, Beer is a beverage made with malted cereal grains (which could include barley, wheat, rye, corn or rice), hops and water that is fermented by adding yeast.

Alcohol is created by yeast which consumes oxygen and sugar and produces alcohol, carbon dioxide and heat. Alcohol levels can range from 2% Alcohol by Volume (ABV) to a whopping 15% ABV for Barley Wines.

This description does not quite do justice to beer. In fact, beer is a very complex drink that can take on thousands of interpretations.

Categorizing beer can sometimes be difficult for most of us. There are two main types of beer: Ales and Lagers.

ALES	LAGERS
Are fermented at warmer temperatures for 3-4 days Are said to be top fermenting (yeast rises to the top) Generally have fruitier aromas and more robust flavours Should be served warmer (anywhere from 7°C to 14°C) Should be served in open mouthed glasses to allow the aromas to be appreciated more readily Should be served with more full flavoured foods See our Selection of Ales at The Beer Store	Are fermented at cooler temperatures for 7-10 days Are said to be bottom fermenting (yeast drops to bottom) Generally are lighter and more thirst quenching Should be served colder (anywhere from 2°C to 7°C) Should be served in tall, narrower glasses to concentrate the aromas at the top Should be served with lighter tasting foods See our Selection of Lagers at The Beer Store

Within these two main types, you can find at least 65 different beer styles. It is the individual brewer or brewery which decides how each of these styles will be interpreted. While brewing is both art and science, it is the creativity of each brewer which brings life to beer. A helpful hint in determining those types of beer is by its colour. The chart to the left will help you determine the various types.