Old World Beer Styles

Pilsner is one style of old world beer originally from Czechoslovakia.

Old world beer styles are those that originated in Europe, many years ago. Many modern styles have arisen from these old world beers. The American counterpoints to these old world styles do taste different from the originals. The two main differences are top fermented beers and bottom fermented beers. Different styles will vary based on the ingredients, such as the different types of hops, malt, yeast and grain.

Czech Styles

The Pilsner is an old world style that originated in Czechoslovakia. It is the most well-known style from this area and was the first gold larger produced in the world. The style originates from the town of Pilsner found in Bohemia. Pilsners are golden in color and have a floral aroma due to hops. This is considered a light style beer that is served in a special Pilsner glass.

Belgian Styles

The several old world styles from Belgium include pale ale, Flanders brown ale, Saison, red ale and lambic. Lambic beers are wheat beers that contain fruit flavors. Types of these beers include kriek, faro, gueuze and framboise. Saison is a summer beer drunk in the French areas of Belgium. This beer is very fruity, effervescent and tart. Red Ale is called this because of the color. The red comes from the use of Vienna malt. Pale ales are more aromatic and spicy than those from Britain. Flanders brown ale is deep brown and copper in color. They have chocolate, nutty and caramel flavors.

German Styles

Germany is responsible for many beer styles, though many are known only in the regions they are produced. One of the oldest types of beer from Germany is the Altbier. Alt means old in German. This beer was produced before lager had been developed. Most Altbiers are made near the city of Dusseldorf. Another old beer style from Germany is the hefeweizen. This is a top fermented wheat beer. This beer appears cloudy and may have some yeast sediment at the bottom. This is a paler style of beer, produced when most beers were still very dark in color.

British

Bitter is a style that is unique to the British. There are regional styles to this beer. It was originally developed from pale ale. Other older styles from the British are Old Ales. These are primarily available in bottles. Old Ale can last a long time and is very malty and dark. Sometimes it is known as winter warmers. British stouts were exported around the world and are available in many styles. The British version is sweet and is a black and full-bodied beer.

References

• Beer Brewing: Belgian Beer Styles
• Beer Advocate: Czech Pilsner
• German Beer Guide: Altbier
• German Beer Guide: Hefeweizen
• British Beer Pub Association: British Beer Styles