Why Can Two Beers of the Same Style Taste Different?

Photo by Teo Do Rio. https://unsplash.com/photos/clear-drinking-glass-with-beer-on-black-table-EUO7L470LXk

Have you ever tried two beers that were labelled as the same style but tasted completely different? The thing that's interesting about craft beer. Beers may be the same style but may also vary in flavour, colour, aroma, and general characteristics.

Three key points may separate the difference between the two, namely the type of beer, its ingredients, and the fermentation process (TwoFraysBrewery, 2021).

Exploring Different Beer Styles

Beer styles help us to understand the different qualities of beer. There are many different styles of beer, and they can generally be classified as ales or lagers. Other criteria used to classify beer are alcohol by volume (ABV), colour, and other ingredients (TwoFraysBrewery, 2021).

One of the key differences between ales and lagers is the fermentation process. Ales are top-fermented and usually fermented at higher temperatures. Lagers are brewed with bottom-fermenting yeast, cooler temperatures, and a longer fermentation process (TwoFraysBrewery, 2021).

These differences in fermentation can have an impact on the final beer.

How Ingredients Shape Beer Flavour

Another contributing factor to the difference in two beers is the recipe. While hops, yeast, grain, and water are the main ingredients of beer, there are a number of different varieties of these ingredients that can be used in the process (TwoFraysBrewery, 2021).

The chemical composition of water can vary and can impact beer flavour and colour. The brewer can also select other grains, hops, and yeast to produce other characteristics. There's even more variety with additional ingredients like spices, fruit, and coffee (TwoFraysBrewery, 2021).

This essentially translates to two beers from the same style having completely different ingredient combinations.

How Brewers Create Their Own Twist

Craft brewing also makes it possible for brewers to put their own twist on a beer. Some brewers like to stick with classic brewing techniques, while others try new and modern brewing techniques (TwoFraysBrewery, 2021).

For instance, if an IPA is made with different varieties of hops, its flavour could be citrus and fruity or strong and bitter. The typical pale ale is malty with a medium body and low alcohol content. The difference between stouts and pilsners is that stouts are darker and usually sweeter, while pilsners are lighter in colour and have a fresh taste (TwoFraysBrewery, 2021).

Exploring the Diversity of Beer Styles

It may make exploring craft beer more interesting to understand these differences. A beer's style may give you an indication of what to look for in the beer, but the ingredients and process may result in something unique within that style.

The next time you see two beers with the same style on a menu, don't assume they will taste the same. The brews are likely to have their own unique taste and aroma due to their ingredients, recipes, and fermentation techniques (TwoFraysBrewery, 2021).

It's that diversity that makes craft beer fun to drink. There are numerous styles out there to explore, and knowing what they are and what distinguishes them can help you uncover your favourite flavours and beers (TwoFraysBrewery, 2021).

Sources

TwoFraysBrewery. (2021, October 11). What makes one beer different from another? www.twofraysbrewery.com.