When it comes to alcoholic beverages, the production process can generally be divided into two main types: distilled and non-distilled. Beer is produced through a fermentation process involving four main ingredients: water, hops, barley, and yeast, and therefore falls into the non-distilled category. These ingredients react to produce alcohol and bubbles on the surface, resulting in the flavors and colors of what is known as 'beer'.
Most beer enthusiasts are probably well aware that beer comes in different flavors, colors and degrees - also referred to as “body”. Beer is divided into the following 2 types:
Ale: Produced when yeast settles on top of the beer during the fermentation process (top fermentation) at a temperature that is about 10-15 degrees Celsius higher than lager. Thus, achieving a darker-colored beer that is richer in flavor.
Lager: Produced when yeast settles at the bottom of the beer during fermentation (bottom fermentation) at a temperature not exceeding 5 degrees Celsius. The fermentation takes longer at approximately four weeks, resulting in a beer that is lighter in color, with flavors ranging from sweet to bitter.
How Does Craft Beer Differ from Regular Beer? Craft beer is produced in small batches rather than via mass production in factories, where the production process involves using different sources and ratios of malts and hops to achieve a drink that is distinctive in terms of flavor and scent.
How Does Draft Beer Differ from Regular Beer? Draft beer is produced in a fermentation tank without undergoing pasteurization like craft beer or regular beer. As a result, draft beer is stored in kegs, and has a shorter shelf life than other types of beer due to its freshness.
How Does IPA Beer Different from Regular Beer? IPA (India Pale Ale) contains a high amount of hops and yeast, resulting in higher alcohol content as compared to regular beer. The unique aroma of fruits and citrus, with a sweet and easy-to-drink taste is a distinctive characteristic of IPA beer.
How Does Rosé Beer Differ from Regular Beer? Rosé Beer is made from an infusion of raspberry and wheat beer, resulting in a pleasant aroma, easy-to-drink taste, and rather low alcohol content as compared to other types of beer.