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Style names are shortcuts. The same style can taste different from brewery to brewery. This table gives a starting point for ordering, not a rule.
| Style | What to expect | Try it with |
|---|---|---|
| Lager / pilsner | Crisp, light, clean | Ceviche, fried fish, patacones |
| Wheat beer | Soft, sometimes fruity or spicy | Salads, fresh cheese, fruit |
| Pale ale | Balanced hops and malt | Chicken, rice and beans |
| IPA | Bitter, hoppy, often citrus or pine | Spicy food, grilled meat |
| Amber / red ale | Toasty malt, mild bitterness | Roast pork, casado |
| Stout / porter | Roasted, coffee or chocolate notes | Chocolate, flan, rich stews |
| Sour | Tart, sometimes fruity | Ceviche, fresh fruit, goat cheese |
Reading a menu
Ask for a small taste if the taproom allows it, and ask what the brewer would pair it with. Alcohol content and bitterness vary within each style.
Mead is not beer: it is a fermented honey drink. See what is mead.