Recognize beer styles at a glance

If there’s one thing that makes the world of craft beer fascinating, it’s the sheer diversity of styles available. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or a curious novice, knowing how to recognize different types of beer can turn a simple tasting into a sensory exploration. Each style has its own unique characteristics, from the refreshing lightness of a lager to the complex power of a triple. But how do you navigate this galaxy of flavors, aromas, and textures?

This article is here to guide you through the most iconic beer styles, offering you an overview of the specificities of each. We will dissect IPAs, stouts, pale ales, and many others, explaining how to recognize and fully appreciate them. You will also discover tips for choosing the ideal beer according to your tastes or the occasion, as well as suggestions for food and beer pairings to enhance your tastings.

IPA – The Queen of Bitterness

India Pale Ales, more commonly known as IPAs, have become the epitome of craft beers. But what makes them so popular? It’s all about the hops. With explosive aromas of citrus, resin or tropical fruits, IPAs seduce with their aromatic intensity and often their marked bitterness. They come in several variations, offering a range of flavors to please all palates.

Characteristics of IPAs

IPAs are distinguished by their strong hop content, which gives them powerful aromas and a pronounced bitterness. They often have citrus notes, such as grapefruit or orange, or hints of tropical fruits such as mango or passion fruit. The body can vary from fairly light for Session IPAs, to richer and resinous for Double IPAs. The color, meanwhile, ranges from pale gold to dark amber, depending on the malts used.

Example at La Nébuleuse: Embuscade is a balanced IPA with notes of fruit paste, blood orange and resin and a bitterness that is present but not overwhelming, perfect for a first approach to IPAs.

Food and beer pairings

IPAs pair wonderfully with spicy foods, their bitterness counterbalancing the heat of the food. They’re ideal for spicy Indian cuisine or tangy tacos. Cheese also finds an ally with IPAs: try them with mature cheddar or blue cheese for a striking contrast. On the meat side, grilled chicken wings or burgers with intense flavors will enhance the beer’s hoppy aromas.

Tips for Enjoying IPAs

For those new to IPAs, it’s recommended to start with lighter versions like Session IPAs, which offer the aromatics without too much bitterness. New England IPAs (NEIPAs), with their smooth texture and fruity aromas, are also a great entry point for newbies. Don’t hesitate to test different variations to find the one that best suits your tolerance for bitterness and your taste for hoppy aromas. Enjoy them at a temperature of 7-10°C for optimal flavor development.

Stout – The intensity of roasted malt

Stouts are the epitome of richness and depth in the beer world. With their intense flavors of coffee, dark chocolate, and sometimes caramel, they offer a comforting and indulgent drinking experience. This style of beer is often associated with winter evenings and desserts, but it lends itself to so much more than that.

Characteristics of stouts

Stouts are distinguished by their dark, almost black color and their generally dense body. They get their aromatic complexity from roasted malt, which gives them notes of coffee, cocoa, licorice and sometimes black fruits. Their bitterness, although present, is often mild and balanced by a certain sweetness, especially in Milk Stouts which incorporate lactose to soften the taste. Imperial Stouts, on the other hand, push the intensity even further with high alcohol levels and complex flavors, perfect for tasting.

Example at La Nébuleuse: Malt Capone, a Pecan Stout with aromas of roasted nuts, chocolate and caramel , offering a real explosion of gourmet flavors.

Food and beer pairings

Stouts are perfect partners for desserts. Their deep flavors pair well with chocolatey baked goods like a fudge or brownie. They also lend themselves to bolder pairings, such as with bold blue cheeses (Roquefort, Stilton) or with flavorful slow-cooked dishes like beef bourguignon or pork stew. For a surprising pairing, try a stout with fresh oysters—the oyster’s saltiness contrasts intriguingly with the coffee and chocolate notes of the beer.

Tips for Enjoying Stouts

Stouts are best enjoyed at a slightly higher temperature than other beers, around 10-12°C, to reveal the full complexity of their aromas. Don't hesitate to let them "breathe" for a few minutes in the glass before tasting them. For those who want to explore this style, start with milder versions like Milk Stouts, before venturing towards the more full-bodied Imperial Stouts. Coffee lovers will often find interesting aromatic similarities, especially with stouts with notes of freshly roasted coffee beans.

Pale Ale – Balance of malty and hoppy flavors

Pale Ales are the perfect balance of malts and hops, offering a harmonious and approachable drinking experience. While they are less intensely hoppy than IPAs, they still have a pleasant bitterness, softened by malty notes that range from biscuit to caramel. This style is ideal for those looking for a balanced and versatile beer.

Characteristics of pale ales

Pale Ales are characterized by moderate bitterness and a wide range of aromas ranging from floral to citrus, caramel, and spice, depending on the hops and malts used. They are often golden to amber in color, with a medium body that makes them easy to drink. American Pale Ales (APAs) are distinguished by their more pronounced hoppiness with resinous and fruity aromas, while English Pale Ales have more malty flavors and a milder bitterness.

Example at La Nébuleuse: Stirling, a gluten-free Pale Ale which presents notes of grapefruit and lychee, balancing a slight bitterness with a nice roundness in the mouth.

Food and beer pairings

Pale Ales, thanks to their balance, pair well with a wide variety of dishes. They pair perfectly with white meats such as roast chicken or grilled pork, adding a slight bitterness that counterbalances the fatty flavors. For vegetarian dishes, Pale Ales pair well with mixed salads or grilled vegetable dishes, where their fruity flavor profile complements the freshness of the ingredients. On the cheese side, they pair well with mild, creamy cheeses such as Brie or Camembert.

Tips for Enjoying Pale Ales

Pale Ales are ideal for beginners thanks to their balanced flavor profile. For a first approach, opt for an American Pale Ale (APA) to discover the moderate bitterness and fruity aromas. Enjoy them at a temperature of 6-8°C to fully appreciate the flavors. Do not hesitate to explore the different local variations, as each brewer can bring a unique touch to this classic style. Pale Ales are well suited to be enjoyed at any time of the day, whether as an aperitif or to accompany a light meal.

Blanche – Fruity and spicy freshness

White beers, also known as witbiers or wheat beers, are synonymous with freshness and lightness. They are appreciated for their delicate aromas of citrus and spices, and their silky texture in the mouth. This style is perfect for light beer lovers who are looking for a refreshing alternative to traditional lagers.

Characteristics of white beers

White beers are distinguished by their pale, cloudy color, due to the use of unmalted wheat in addition to barley. They often have citrus aromas (such as orange or lemon) and spicy notes of coriander or clove, brought by special yeasts and the addition of spices during brewing. They are light to medium-bodied, with a lively effervescence that accentuates their refreshing character. Their mild flavors and low bitterness make them an easy beer to enjoy, even for less discerning palates.

Example at La Nébuleuse:Moonshine, a white beer with refreshing citrus notes and a subtle touch of spices, ideal for hot days or aperitifs with friends.

Food and beer pairings

White beers pair particularly well with light dishes and seafood. Their freshness and citrus aromas harmonize perfectly with oysters, grilled shrimp or a tangy ceviche. They also go wonderfully with summer salads made with crunchy vegetables, fresh fruit and light cheeses like goat cheese or feta. For fans of spicy dishes, they offer a refreshing contrast with Asian dishes or fish tacos.

Tips for enjoying white beers

To fully enjoy the delicate flavours of white beers, serve them chilled, at a temperature of 4-6°C. Use a flared glass to concentrate the spicy and fruity aromas, and pour gently, leaving a little beer in the bottle to avoid yeast deposits. This deposit can be poured last, according to your preferences, to enrich the texture and taste. White beers are perfect as an aperitif or to accompany light dishes in summer. Their low bitterness also makes them an excellent choice for introducing novices to the world of craft beers.

Lager – The thirst-quenching simplicity

Lagers are often considered the most approachable and thirst-quenching beer style. Their global popularity is due to their freshness and lightness, perfect for socializing. Unlike ales, lagers are fermented at low temperatures with specific yeasts that give them a clean, crisp profile. This style comes in several variations, offering subtle nuances of flavor and aroma.

Characteristics of lagers

Lagers are typically clear and golden, with a clean taste and low bitterness. Their aromas range from floral to malty, with notes of bread, biscuit, or sometimes toasted cereal. They are often less complex than ales, but their simplicity is their strength. Varieties include pilsners, helles, and vienna lagers, each bringing their own nuances. Pilsners, for example, are hoppier and bitterer, while helles are characterized by sweeter, malty flavors.

Example at La Nébuleuse: Zepp, a light craft lager inspired by Bavarian Pilsners with a subtle bitterness and floral notes, perfect for refreshing yourself on sunny days or accompanying a barbecue with friends.

Food and beer pairings

Lagers are extremely versatile and pair well with a wide range of dishes. They are a great accompaniment to simple dishes like pizza, burgers or hot dogs, where their lightness cleanses the palate without overpowering the flavours of the dish. They are also ideal with grilled fish like salmon or trout, where their malty notes complement the delicate flavours of the fish. For Asian dishes, their refreshing character balances the spice without overwhelming the subtle flavours.

Tips for enjoying lagers

To get the most out of lagers, serve them chilled, at a temperature of 4-6°C. Use a straight glass or pilsner glass to preserve their effervescence and concentrate the flavours. Lagers are perfect for casual occasions and warm days, where their refreshing character can be fully appreciated. For beginners, starting with a craft lager like Zepp can be a great introduction to the diversity of craft beers while sticking to familiar flavours.

Triple – Richness and power in the mouth

Tripels are powerful and complex beers that combine alcoholic intensity with aromatic richness. Originating in Belgium, they are characterized by fruity and spicy flavors, often accompanied by a slight sweetness on the finish. This style is perfect for those looking for a deeper and more nuanced tasting experience.

Features of triples

Tripels are distinguished by their golden to amber color, their relatively light body despite a high alcohol content (usually between 8 and 10%). They offer a complex palette of aromas: ripe fruits (banana, pear), spices (clove, coriander), honey and yeast. The alcohol is well integrated, which makes the beer warm without being overwhelming. Tripels are often well carbonated, which adds a sparkling sensation in the mouth and highlights their complex aromas.

Example at La Nébuleuse:Estafette, a rich triple with fruity and spicy notes, with a slightly sweet finish that balances the heat of the alcohol.

Food and beer pairings

Tripels are the ideal accompaniment to rich and flavourful dishes. Their alcohol content and aromatic complexity perfectly complement dishes in sauce such as coq au vin or roast pork with herbs. They also go very well with mature and powerful cheeses such as old Gouda, Comté or Munster, where their sweetness and aromatic strength counterbalance the character of the cheeses. As a dessert, they are delicious with fruit tarts, spicy desserts or dried fruit cakes.

Tips for enjoying triples

Tripels are best enjoyed slowly to savour all their nuances. Serve them at a temperature of 8-12°C in a tulip glass, which concentrates the flavours while allowing for good aeration. Allow the beer to warm slightly in the glass to reveal its successive layers of flavours. For those who enjoy milder beers, starting with half glasses can help you get used to the strength of this style. Tripels are perfect for tasting after a meal, where they can replace a digestif while accompanying a cheese or dessert.

Alcohol-free – Pleasure without compromise

Non-alcoholic beers have long suffered from a bad reputation, perceived as bland or too light. However, craft breweries have risen to the challenge by creating non-alcoholic beers that retain all the aromatic richness of classic beers, without the intoxication. Whether for health reasons, driving or simply to vary the pleasures, non-alcoholic beers offer an increasingly popular alternative.

Characteristics of non-alcoholic beers

Non-alcoholic beers come in a variety of flavor profiles, from surprisingly complex to refreshing and light. Most non-alcoholic beers have an alcohol content of less than 0.5%, while still retaining the aromas of hops and malt. Thanks to advances in brewing technology, non-alcoholic beers can now offer a variety of styles, from lagers to IPAs to even stouts. They are often slightly sweet, with a lighter body and moderate bitterness.

Example at La Nébuleuse: Diversion, an alcohol-free IPA that manages to capture the fruity aromas and sweet bitterness typical of IPAs, while remaining light and thirst-quenching.

Food and beer pairings

Non-alcoholic beers pair very well with light and fresh dishes. They are ideal to accompany mixed salads, vegetarian dishes or sushi. Their natural sweetness also makes them compatible with fruity desserts such as apple pie, red fruit crumble or fruit salad. They can also be served as an aperitif with tapas or appetizers, offering a refreshing and alcohol-free option for all guests.

Tips for enjoying non-alcoholic beers

To fully enjoy a non-alcoholic beer, serve it chilled, at a temperature of 4-6°C. Use a glass that fits the style to maximize the flavors: a tulip glass for a non-alcoholic IPA like Diversion, or a straight glass for a non-alcoholic lager. Non-alcoholic beers are ideal for daytime drinking or at events where you want to enjoy the taste of beer without its effects. Feel free to explore the different styles available to find the one that best suits your preferences.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a fan of explosive hops, malty sweetness or refreshing lightness, there’s a beer style for every taste and occasion. Knowing how to recognize the characteristics of different styles opens up an infinite world of taste discoveries. From decidedly bitter IPAs to coffee-forward stouts, from balanced pale ales to powerful tripels, each beer tells a unique story through its ingredients and manufacturing process.

La Nébuleuse invites you to explore this brewing diversity through its creations, each one the fruit of passionate know-how and a constant quest for innovation. Whether you are a novice or a connoisseur, there is always a new flavor to discover and enjoy. So, the next time you are faced with a shelf full of craft beers, remember these few keys to choosing the one that best suits your desires. And above all, do not hesitate to think outside the box to broaden your taste horizons.

To your health, and enjoy your meal!