A Guide to the Different Types of Beers You Need to Try

Remember the first time a beer made you stop and go, wait, this is beer? Maybe it leaned citrusy and crisp, maybe it was rich and dark with notes you couldn't quite name—but it changed the game. Since then, the fridge aisle hasn't felt the same. Because “cold” isn't a flavour, and there's far more to explore than your usual go-to. Whether it's for sunset hangs or late-night catch-ups, here's your quick guide to finding the right beer for every kind of evening.

1. Crisp, Crowd-Pleaser Lagers

Think crystal-clear golden colour, fluffy white head, and a refreshingly dry finish. They're brewed cold and slow, so the flavours stay clean and easy-drinking, perfect when humidity spikes. Classic European pilsners such as Heineken beer bring soft grain sweetness with a clean hop finish, while crowd-favourite lagers like Stella Artois, Carlsberg, and Peroni Nastro Azzurro keep it smooth and sessionable. Mexican-style lagers like Corona beer lean even lighter, with a whisper of lime-friendly zest that flips your brain straight into holiday mode.

2. Wheat & White Beers

Naturally hazy, wheat beers cloak the palate in a velvety softness layered with hints of banana, clove, and orange peel. Belgian-style witbier often lifts those flavours with coriander and fresh citrus zest, earning its place as a brunch favourite. Hoegaarden is a classic here, while German weissbiers like Franziskaner deliver a richer, maltier creaminess. These pour a warm amber-gold that looks as inviting in the glass as it tastes.

3. Dark & Decadent Stouts and Porters

Pouring anything from mahogany to midnight black, these styles trade refreshment for richness. Expect roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and caramel notes—sometimes boosted with oats for extra creaminess or aged in bourbon barrels for a whisper of vanilla. Despite their brooding colour, many modern stouts land at an approachable 5-6 % ABV, so they're session-friendly. Guinness is the undisputed example here.

4. Hoppy, Bold Ales and IPAs

Step beyond lagers, and you'll find ales, pale ales, and hop-packed IPAs. These beers bring bold aromas like grapefruit, pine, tropical fruit, or herbs, giving each sip a stronger, often slightly bitter edge. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a classic starter, while craft names like Chicago's Goose Island, South African Devil's Peak and Australia's Pirate Life highlight today's IPA boom. These are the beers for curious drinkers who enjoy slower sips and layers of flavour to explore.

5. Session-Sized American Classics

Sometimes you simply want an easy companion for game night: enter the iconic Bud Light or Budweiser beer can. Balanced malts, gentle hops, dependable carbonation—it ticks all the boxes for all-day sipping. If you're road-tripping across the Emirates for a staycation, that slim, lightweight can is a bonus.

6. Sunshine-Ready Mediterranean & Asian Lagers

Spanish Estrella Galicia and Japanese Asahi show just how varied lagers can be. Estrella starts with a hint of biscuit-like sweetness, then finishes crisp and dry. Asahi is ultra-dry and precise, pairing beautifully with sushi or tempura. Tuborg and Paderborner also bring easygoing European charm that fits right into sunny afternoons.

7. Craft Beer & Speciality Finds

At African Eastern, we believe craft beer is where creativity and flavour truly come alive. From hazy IPAs to Belgian-style brews and barrel-aged specials, the craft world offers something for every curious drinker. Our own The Sauce is a perfect example—small-batch brewed with bold hops and layered character that stands out on any shelf. Alongside it, we proudly bring you global craft favourites like Brooklyn Brewery and European gems like Okocim. Whether you're exploring local picks or international stars, craft beer invites you to step beyond the familiar and discover something genuinely exciting.

Exploring the Chiller: Quick Tips

1. Temperature matters. Light beers like lagers and pale ales taste best when really cold (around 3–5 °C). Dark beers like stouts? Keep them a bit to around 8–10 °C—that's when their deeper flavours come alive.

2. Glassware isn't just theatre. Pick the right glass. It's not just for show. A tall glass keeps lagers lively and carbonated. Curved glasses like tulips or snifters help capture all the aroma in flavour-packed ales.

3. Freshness first. Most beers are best within six months of packaging. Check the “packaging date”, especially when you're buying in bulk for get-togethers.

4. Food pairing is simple matchmaking. Light beers go well with lighter foods (like seafood or salads). Heavier beers match better with bold dishes (like grilled meats or cheesy bites). And when flavours match like citrusy beer with lemony hummus, it's even better.

Final Pour

Beer's universe is vast, but you don't need a Cicerone pin to enjoy it. Start with what your taste buds already love—crisp refreshment, rich roast, or tropical fruit—then explore one new type at a time. Keep an open fridge shelf, revisit favourites in different seasons, and invite friends to blind-taste along (nothing sparks conversation like mis-identifying your “go-to” brand). Whether you reach for a citrus-zipped Corona beer, the dry snap of Asahi, or the rich pour of Guinness on a cosy evening, remember: the best brew is the one that suits the moment you're in.

So next time you scan that wall of bottles and cans, skip autopilot. Grab something new, pour mindfully, and let every sip tell its own story. Cheers to discovering a beer that feels brewed just for you—right here, right now.