World Beer Day 2026: How to Choose the Right Beer
For many people, beer is simply “light” or “dark.” But anyone who has ventured into the craft beer world knows that behind that foam lies a universe of styles, aromas, and nuances: crystal-clear lagers, explosive IPAs, velvety stouts, fruity weizens. Each with its own story, character, and ideal occasion.
To celebrate World Beer Day 2026, we’ll guide you through the main beer styles — with a few tips on food pairings and cocktails to try right away.
Lager: the perfect starting point
Crisp, clean, refreshing. Lager is often the first beer people learn to love, and that’s no coincidence: it’s designed to be approachable and refreshing, perfect for warm seasons or as an aperitif.
👉 Try:Chiara Lager — or explore our 12-can LAGER BOX for a complete tasting.
Ale: fruity, aromatic, complex
Ales ferment at higher temperatures and develop richer aromatic profiles than lagers. This category includes very different styles: Hefeweizen, Belgian Wit, Pale Ale. They are characterful beers, but without the pronounced bitterness of IPAs — ideal for anyone who wants to explore without going overboard.
IPA (India Pale Ale): for lovers of intense flavors
IPAs are the symbol of the craft beer movement. Driven by hops, they offer notes of citrus, tropical fruit, and a pleasant bitterness that makes them instantly recognizable. If you love bold flavors, this is the style to explore.
👉 Try:Tropic Thunder DDH IPA · Hazy-Faced Assassin Hazy IPA · Baby-Faced Assassin American IPA
Want to take a complete tour of the IPA world? Discover our All-IPA Box – 12 cans or the WAR Brewery IPA Tasting Box.
Stout: creamy, dark, surprising
Dark doesn’t mean heavy. Stouts are full-bodied and velvety beers, with notes of coffee, chocolate, and roasted malt. Perfect for colder seasons or paired with desserts and aged cheeses.
👉 Try:Battirame – Coffee Breakfast Stout · Dear Shane Irish Oatmeal Stout · Sweet Stout
Prefer alcohol-free? There’s also the No Alcohol Nitro Stout.
Beer and food: pairings to try
Craft beer pairs with food according to the same logic as wine: the aim is to find balance between complementary flavors. Here are a few classic combinations to start with:
- Lager → spicy dishes, fried food, street food: the carbonation cleanses the palate
- IPA → fatty meats, blue cheeses, burgers: hop bitterness balances the richness
- Stout → dark chocolate, desserts, oysters: roasted notes create a perfect contrast
- Fruity Ale → fish, grilled vegetables, Asian cuisine: its lightness enhances delicate flavors
Beer-based cocktails: two easy recipes
Citrus Lager Cooler
Fresh orange juice + freshly squeezed lime juice + ice + chilled lager. Garnish with an orange slice. Fresh, refreshing, and perfect for the afternoon.
Berry Wit Cooler
Muddle berries, mint, honey, and lemon juice. Add a well-chilled Belgian Wit. Light, fruity, and perfect for an aperitif.
The right beer for every season
There are no absolute rules, but some natural tendencies:
- Summer and spring → lager, weizen, wit: fresh and refreshing
- Autumn and winter → IPA and stout: fuller-bodied and warming
The golden rule? The best beer is the one you enjoy. Explore, taste, pair.
🛒 Start your journey into the craft beer world:
Discover all our styles at maltese.beer — from the most approachable lagers to the most complex stouts, with tasting boxes designed for anyone who wants to explore without making a wrong choice.
