Beer basically comes in two forms: lagers and ales. One type isn't better than the other--just different. Terrific examples of each kind abound, but watch out! Some real stinkers are also out there. Lagers include the lighter tasting beers; they tend to be highly carbonated and crisper than ales. Beer vocabulary might have you describe them as smooth, mellow, subtle or clean, perhaps noting a balanced taste or subdued aroma. The five most common lagers are American pale lager, Bock, Munchener helles, Oktoberfest and Pilsner.
Ales tend to be more robust and fruity, with a spicy taste and aroma. More bitter than those friendly lagers, ales can offer darker color and more distinctive tastes. The most common are pale ale, porter and stout. Wheat beers and barleywine styles have become more widely available as people's tastes have expanded.
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