Beer Types Complete Guide to Craft Styles
How many types of beer are there?
The world of craft beer is vast: there are over 100 internationally recognized styles, each with unique characteristics of color, aroma, fermentation, and pairing. In this guide, you will find the main types of beer, with links to our selections to buy them directly online.
The main types of beer
Ale
Ales ferment at high temperatures with yeasts that work on the surface. They are generally more aromatic and complex than Lagers. Among the most common:
- Pale Ale and APA — Golden, hoppy, and balanced beers. Discover our craft Pale Ales →
- IPA (India Pale Ale) — Intense, bitter, rich in hops. Perfect for those who love bold flavors.
- Belgian Pale Ale — Fruity and spicy, with typical Belgian complexity.
- Saison — Belgian seasonal beers, dry, sparkling, and versatile at the table. Discover our Saison →
- Stout and Porter — Dark, roasted, with notes of coffee and chocolate.
- Wheat Beer / Weizen — Wheat beers, cloudy and fruity.
- Sour Ale — Sour and refreshing, ideal for the most curious palates.
Lager
Lagers ferment at low temperatures with yeasts that work deep down. They are cleaner, lighter, and more thirst-quenching. Among the best-known variants: Pilsner, Helles, Märzen, and Bock.
Special and hybrid beers
There are also hybrid and experimental styles: smoked beers, barrel-aged, bottle-refermented, with added fruit, spices, or fresh hops (dry-hopped). Craft beer has greatly expanded the boundaries of style.
How to choose the right type of beer?
The choice depends on the moment, the food pairing, and your personal taste:
- Light aperitif → Saison, Pilsner, Wit
- Meat dinner → IPA, Amber Ale, Stout
- Dessert or cheese → Porter, Barleywine, Belgian Strong Ale
- Summer and heat → Lager, Sour, Wheat Beer
Buy the best craft beers by type
At Maltese you will find a curated selection of the best Italian and international craft beers, organized by style. Explore our collections and find your favorite type.
