What is the difference between ale, lager, porter, stout, etc.?

All beers are either Ale or Lager. The majority of the beer consumed around the world is Lager. Most of it is a pale shade of yellow and lightly hopped. Ale fermentations are quicker as they take place at a warmer temp (around 69 F) while lager fermentations are slower as they take place at a cooler temp (about 50F). Porter, Stout, Wheat and Belgian Ales all refer to "types" of ales. Much like Merlot is a type of red wine, Stout is but one type of ale. Each type or style of ale is differentiated by the addition of different ingredients and yeasts.

What are "dry" beers? What are "ice" beers?

Both of these beers are essentially versions of lager beers. In the case of "dry" beers, these are beers that are fully fermented and are said to be dry as they contain very low levels of residual sugars. Ice beers come from a Germanic tradition of brewing. The process of "icing" a beer involves freezing a portion of the beer (in this case the water in the beer) and then removing the beer from the ice. This action increases the alcohol strength of the beer resulting in a slightly smoother malt flavor.

What are "cold-filtered", and "heat pasteurized" beers?

Just about every beer is cold filtered. The action of filtering a beer takes place at near freezing temperatures. This process removes unwanted proteins, yeast and haze forming compounds from the beer resulting in a crystal clear beer. Pasteurization is a process where the beer is heated to 160F in an instant. This application of flash heat ensures microbial stability in the beer and keeps the beer from experiencing any unpredictable degradation.

What is "draught" (draft) beer?

Draft beer is any beer served through a device known as a faucet. Typically, draft beer is served from a keg to a tap. Generally speaking draft beer is cheaper to produce as there is less packaging materials and labor involved in getting beer to the marketplace.

How should I store beer?

Depending on the style of the beer there are but a few simple rules. First ALL beer should be stored away from HEAT and DIRECT LIGHT sources. Lager beer should be held between 40-48F while Ales should be kept between 45-55 F.

How long does beer keep?

Most breweries believe that their beers should keep for no less than 90 days. In the case of bottle conditioned higher alcohol beers, if cellared properly and handled correctly, they can survive for 15-25 plus years.

Do beers mature with age?

The rule for maturation is that all beers will change. Some will evolve and some will deteriorate. For a beer to mature, it must be higher in alcohol and have been packaged with some live yeast to ensure a proper maturation. Proper care must be placed on temperature at which it is stored and the frequency with which it is handled.

How long will a keg of beer remain fresh?

Again 90 days (from the date of packaging) is the rule of thumb here. Most breweries believe this to be true. However, once a keg has been tapped 30 days or less is generally what can be expected.

What is the proper way to draw a perfect glass of beer?

Start with a beer clean glass (free of oil and residues). Tilt the glass at a 45 degree angle, open the tap to its fullest open position and begin pouring the beer down the side of the glass. When the glass is 3/4 full tilt the glass upright and finish by leaving two fingers worth of foam on the top of the beer.<