Beer Breakdown
Ever curiously eyed a craft beer menu and then ordered a Bud Light anyway? All that terminology can be overwhelming. Here are some quick and dirty profiles on beer types so you can narrow down the drink list to what you already like or try something new. Most beers are either an ale or a lager, which are broad categories describing the type of yeast used to produce them. Within those categories are certain styles of beer, each with its own measurements of color, flavor and strength. Ales originated in England and are brewed using top-fermenting yeast—that just means the helpful fermenting fungi grow at the top of the container. They tend to be darker and more bitter thanks to lots of hops and malt. Under the ale umbrella you’ve got…
INDIA PALE ALE (IPA): A light colored, hoppy (which translates to bitter) beer HEFEWEIZEN: Unfiltered wheat beer; tends to be tart, dry and can have notes of cloves or spiciness IRISH RED ALE: Has a red color and tea-like flavor thanks to roasted barley PORTER: Dark ale with roasted malts, which yields toasty flavors STOUT: Like a porter but darker; usually has toasty flavors like oatmeal, chocolate, coffee or cream And for lagers? They were created first in central Europe, cold-brewed with bottom-fermenting yeast for extended periods. They’re usually a light color with mild (and sometimes fruity!) flavors.
Can Vs. Bottle
PILSNER: Hoppy, light-colored brew (American light beer is watered down Pilsner, meaning it’s lower in calories and in flavor.)
Bottle snob or can fan: Which are you? Each has their reasons for siding with one container over the other. Cans block out more light than glass, preserving beer’s flavor, and they’re so darn stackable. But bottles don’t have the aluminum smell, impacting taste.
MÄRZEN: Copper in color; has a high alcohol content and toasty flavor BOCK: A strong lager, and due to extra months of brewing, it has a strong malt flavor
Nearby FLA Breweries
Infinite Ale Works
304 SE Magnolia Ext., Ocala infinitealeworks.com If you want to learn more about craft beer close to home, this is the taproom for you with 40 varieties and five of their own Infinite Ale brews.
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Swamp Head
3650 SW 42nd Ave., Gainesville, swamphead.com Try a flight for the whole experience, or stick to Stump Knocker (Read on—it’s a Swamp Head insider’s favorite.)
First Magnitude
1220 SE Veitch St., Gainesville fmbrewing.com First Magnitude always serves four year-round beers and a seasonal rotation of numerous others. Oh, and they have giant Jenga, Scrabble and more.