Beer Styles and what it all means.

Yes, there are only ales and lagers. Different yeast strains create different flavor profiles in a beer.

 

You are right - ale vs. lager are kind of like the fork between animal and plant kingdoms - there are so many more fantastic layers that branch out from those two.

If you want a fun and whiny diatribe on the different styles of beer, send an email to the head brewer at New Belgium asking him about the same (a.k.a. Mr. indignant "I don't make styles - I make ten minutes of art.")

 

Not true actually. There is a lot of beer out there that doesn't fit the ale/lager dichotomy. Lambic is the biggest problem for that way of thinking, with other styles coming in a lesser levels. Ale is an English invention and beer is far greater than England. Lager is much more defined as it is a younger type of beer.

Yeast is but one part of beer style, and there is so much variation that even breaking down by species can be futile at times. Grain and hops used are just as important in many cases, and sometimes process is the deciding factor. The more you learn about beer styles, the less they all make sense.

 

No.

 

The BA website gives a great description of all the styles. Read them. Its a great starter for beer education.