At our first meet and greet event, the group was given a prompt to see what type of beer they would be personified in a glass of craft beer.

The most common types of beer fall into two broad categories: ales and lagers, differentiated by the type of yeast and fermentation process used to brew them. Each style has its unique variations depending on the brewer's creativity, local ingredients, and traditional techniques. If you're exploring craft beer, these categories offer a great starting point!

If you were a beer, how would you describe yourself?

Here’s the playful personification of each beer style as a type of person…

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Ales

Ales are brewed with top-fermenting yeast at warmer temperatures, resulting in a complex, flavorful, and aromatic profile.

1. Pale Ale Medium-bodied, balanced bitterness, and fruity or floral hop flavors.
   • Personality: Balanced, approachable, and well-rounded.
   • Type: Your outdoorsy friend who always organizes group hikes and barbecues.
2. India Pale Ale (IPA) Hoppy and bitter with citrus, pine, or floral flavors.
   • Personality: Bold, adventurous, and a bit intense.
   • Type: The thrill-seeker who’s into extreme sports and always trying the latest trends.
3. Porter Dark, rich, and malty with notes of chocolate or coffee.
   • Personality: Mellow, thoughtful, and a little mysterious.
   • Type: The bookworm who prefers quiet cafes and deep conversations.
4. Stout Very dark and full-bodied with roasted flavors, often featuring coffee, chocolate, or oatmeal notes.
   • Personality: Strong, comforting, and dependable.
   • Type: The friend who gives great hugs and always knows how to cheer you up.
5. Wheat Beer Light, refreshing, and slightly hazy, often with citrus or spice notes.
   • Personality: Easygoing, cheerful, and refreshing.
   • Type: The fun-loving person who’s always up for a picnic or a sunny afternoon by the beach.
6. Belgian Ale Fruity, spicy, and complex, with a higher alcohol content.

• Personality: Sophisticated, unique, and a bit eccentric.
• Type: The world traveler who collects antiques and knows obscure trivia. </aside>

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Lagers

Lagers use bottom-fermenting yeast and are brewed at cooler temperatures, resulting in clean, crisp, and smooth beers.

1. Pilsner Light-bodied, crisp, and refreshing with a balanced hop bitterness.
   • Personality: Clean, crisp, and reliable.
   • Type: The friend who’s always on time and keeps things simple but elegant.
2. Helles Lager Slightly malt-forward, less hoppy than a pilsner, with a smooth finish.
   • Personality: Sweet, mild, and easy to get along with.
   • Type: The warm-hearted friend who never forgets your birthday and loves hosting dinners.
3. Dunkel Dark lager with toasty malt flavors and a smooth, sweet finish.
   • Personality: Rich, smooth, and quietly confident.
   • Type: The jazz enthusiast who loves cozy evenings and vintage style.
4. Bock Rich, malty, and slightly sweet with varying strength levels.
   • Personality: Strong, hearty, and a bit serious.
   • Type: The mentor figure who gives sage advice and enjoys hearty meals.
5. American Lager Light, crisp, and easy-drinking, often lower in alcohol.
   • Personality: Friendly, laid-back, and unpretentious.
   • Type: The buddy who’s always up for a game night or backyard grilling. </aside>

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Hybrid Styles and Others

Some styles blur the lines between ale and lager or are brewed with unique techniques

1. Kölsch Light and refreshing with a hint of fruitiness and a clean finish.
   • Personality: Light-hearted, charming, and adaptable.
   • Type: The social butterfly who gets along with everyone and knows how to keep the mood light.
2. Amber Ale/Lager Balanced maltiness with caramel and toasty flavors.
   • Personality: Warm, balanced, and versatile.
   • Type: The dependable friend who can be serious when needed but knows how to have fun.
3. Sour Beers Tart and tangy, often brewed with wild yeast or bacteria.
   • Personality: Quirky, unpredictable, and refreshingly different.
   • Type: The artistic free spirit who thrives on breaking conventions and trying new things.
4. Farmhouse Ale/Saison Dry, spicy, and fruity with earthy undertones.
   • Personality: Rustic, earthy, and full of character.
   • Type: The friend who owns a small farm, makes their own bread, and loves hosting seasonal dinners.

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