Cheers and chookas fellow beer lover!
When it comes to beer, true drinkers don't mind venturing off the beaten path - that's where craft beer steps in. A term usually reserved for breweries that get a bit wild with their recipes; but if you're a craft beer enthusiast, you should know that!
So how hoppy are you? Can you distinguish your American Pale Ale from your Indian Pale Ale? Or your Stout from your Porter? Or your Lager from your Cider?
Let's test your craft beer knowledge!
Can you name this beer style?
The answer is Pale Ale!
They're known for their juicy golden look and moderate strength, and they come in all sorts of sub-varieties. The next beer style is one of them...
And what about this beer style?
The answer is American Pale Ale!
The American Pale Ale is a lighter-style ale that is medium-bodied with around 5% ABV. It's sometimes mistaken for an Amber Ale, but those guys are darker and maltier...
Or this beer style?
The answer is Indian Pale Ale!
This beer style was born when Britain began to colonise South Asia. The Indian Pale Ale was purely designed for export. It's full on the nose and tongue, and not recommended for anyone averse to strong flavours.
Now we're getting darker...
The answer is Stout!
One of the most prominent styles of truly dark beer is Stout. And yes, this dark beer is stronger in taste than your average beer, featuring a creamier top. A popular version is Guinness...
Here's something Aussies will love...
The answer is Extra Pale Ale!
Don't be fooled by the "Extra" in Extra Pale Ale. It doesn't refer to alcohol content, it simply refers to the flavoursome punch. It's fuller than the American Pale Ale and lighter than an Indian Pale Ale...
And what about this dark beauty?
The answer is Porter!
A porter is someone who carries your luggage. But it can also be something that gets you giddy. And, fun fact, the porters of 18th century London loved this beer. It's generally slightly weaker than a stout, but it's still dark and plentiful.
Here's a long-standing staple in Australia!
The answer is Lager!
Ah, the good old Lager. The beer style that kept Australia well-lubricated. It's a standard brew, bottom-fermented (unlike an ale) and stored in cold temperatures to age. No wonder it tastes better cold...
Let's head to Europe! Can you name this beer style?
The answer is Pilsner!
Pilsners are essentially lagers but with a twang that lifts their body. It was created because the people of Plzen, Czech Republic kept spoiling their beer. Which led to the creation of a "Lager 2.0", essentially...
What about this beer style? Prost!
The answer is Kölsch!
If ever you take a trip to Germany, Kölsch is your go-to for fitting in at the pub. It's light in colour and maltiness and expresses a slightly dry, crisp finish...
And we've left the hardest one for last!
The answer is Saison!
Saison is French for "season", and that embodies exactly how it's created. Brewing would begin in the colder seasons, so they'd be ready for the warmer weather later. They were also once lower in alcohol (so the farmhands wouldn't get drunk), but that changed over time.
