GermanBeerGlasses 01

Craft beer draft pour in a glass shaker pint glass.

The Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines are intended for educational purposes by brewer guilds and associations, educational institutions, homebrewers, commercial brewers, and beer drinkers around the world.

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When used for educational purposes, without charge, users may reference the Guidelines without seeking permission to do so.

Any potential user who wishes to reference or leverage the Guidelines for promoting events or competitions, as the basis of competition beer style guidelines, or in apps, databases, beer blogs, webpages or any other venue or channel, whenever Guideline content is offered for a fee, or when Guideline content is leveraged by adjacent content that generates revenue, must seek permission to use the Guidelines.

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Beer Types and Serving Suggestions

Here are some favorite common beers, with some food pairing and serving suggestions:

  • Lager Smooth, light beer, slightly tangy
    Fish, Hamburger, Curry Dishes
  • Pale Ale Light, slight fruity ale
    Green Salads, Fish, Pork, Hamburger
  • Pilsner Light-bodied, mild malt beer with flowery aroma
    Light Soups, Pizza, Fish
  • Brown Ale Smooth, rounded beer with a nutty taste
    Chicken, Salad, Pork 
  • Bock Strong beer with caramel taste
    Chicken, Game, Creamy Desserts, Lamb, Sausage
  • Porter Dark ale with a rich taste
    Cheese, Beef, Barbeque, Fruity or Creamy Desserts
  • Stout Opaque, dry ale with a chocolate taste
    Shellfish, Chocolates, Rich Desserts or Rich Meats

Some other tips:

Beer is a delicious aperitif. Choose a light beer to serve before a meal.

Serve pale beers with light soups and heavy, malty beers with stews.

Light beers are delicious with green salads and vegetable courses.

Serving a chocolate dessert? A rich, sweet, dark beer is the perfect match. Fruitier beers work well with fruit desserts.

A strong sweet beer is a nice digestif, with or without a separate dessert.

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