1. What’s the difference between ales and lagers?

It’s all about the yeast and fermentation! Ales are brewed with top-fermenting yeast at warmer temperatures, giving them fruity and bold flavors. Lagers, on the other hand, use bottom-fermenting yeast and are brewed at cooler temperatures, resulting in clean, crisp, and smooth flavors. Think of ales as the adventurous cousin and lagers as the laid-back sibling.

2. What’s an IPA, and why is it so popular?

IPA stands for India Pale Ale, and it’s known for its hoppy flavor and higher alcohol content. The style became popular because hops act as a natural preservative, originally allowing beer to survive long journeys to India (hence the name). These days, IPAs are a favorite for their bold flavors—ranging from citrusy and piney to tropical and bitter.

3. What’s the difference between stouts and porters?

Both are dark beers, but stouts are typically richer, with roasted flavors like coffee and chocolate. Porters are lighter and tend to have more malty, caramel-like sweetness. If stouts are your espresso shot, porters are your café latte.

4.Why does craft beer taste better than mass-produced beer?

Craft breweries focus on quality over quantity. They use better ingredients, experiment with flavors, and often prioritize freshness. Mass-produced beer is made for consistency and affordability, but craft beer? That’s where creativity and passion shine.

5. What’s the proper way to pour a beer?

Tilt your glass at a 45-degree angle and slowly pour the beer down the side. Once you’re halfway, straighten the glass and pour into the center to build a head (about 1-2 fingers of foam). The foam releases aromas and prevents the beer from going flat too quickly—plus, it just looks awesome.

6. What’s the difference between a pilsner and a lager?

Pilsners are lagers, but they’re a specific style. They originated in the Czech Republic and have a light, crisp, and slightly bitter flavor from noble hops. All pilsners are lagers, but not all lagers are pilsners—it’s a square-and-rectangle situation!

7. What’s the best way to store beer?

Keep your beer cold (around 38°F) and away from sunlight. UV rays can cause a chemical reaction that makes beer taste skunky (thanks, science). If it’s a craft beer with bold flavors, enjoy it fresh—beer doesn’t age like wine!