What Types of Beer Does a Liquor Store Sell?

A well-stocked liquor store gives beer consumers access to a wide range of beverage options. Understanding the various beer categories can help you find the right product for your preferences or explore new drinks. Here are some of the types of beer sold at a liquor store open near you: 

Lagers

Lagers are fermented at low temperatures, giving them a taste that appeals to many people. One of the most common examples is the American-style lager beer, which is found in many stores and is good for everyday consumption. Pilsners are a subcategory of lagers and have a slightly more bitter taste due to the use of hops. This makes them a good choice for those who prefer a slightly bitter beer.

Ales

Ales are brewed at higher temperatures, resulting in a more intense aroma and flavor than lagers. Pale ales, including India Pale Ales (IPAs), are known for their high bitterness and citrus flavor. A liquor store open near you may have a good selection of IPAs, from the traditional West Coast IPAs with strong notes of pine and resin to New England IPAs. Brown ales are smoother and slightly malty with a taste of caramel and nuts and are ideal for pairing with food.

Stouts and Porters

If you prefer full-bodied beers, stouts and porters are good options. These beers have a roasted malt taste and may contain hints of coffee, chocolate, and caramel. Stouts, particularly the Irish dry stout, provide a velvety texture with a pleasantly bitter finish. Some subtypes, including milk stouts, use lactose for sweetness. Imperial stouts enhance the drinking experience with higher alcohol content and intense flavors. Porters are slightly lighter than stouts but still quite rich in flavor. They have toasty and chocolate-like characteristics, making them a favorite for fans of dark beers.

Wheat Beers

Wheat beers are usually cloudy and have a slight wheaty flavor. These brews are not very sweet and may have a fruity and spicy character. Hefeweizens, a German wheat beer, has a banana and clove flavor developed during brewing. Coriander and orange peel add spice to Belgian witbiers. These witbiers are light and have a slight citrus flavor that makes them ideal for consumption during the summer. Wheat beers are popular in craft breweries. Some breweries introduce fruit flavors such as raspberry, blueberry, or mango to the beer.

Sour Beers

Some breweries encourage the formation of sour and acidic notes to create sour beers. Wild yeast strains contribute to the sour notes of these beers. Berliner Weisse is a light and refreshing German-style sour beer with a slightly sour taste. It is best served with fruit syrups. Gose, another German sour beer, combines salt and coriander with a lemony tartness for a complex yet highly drinkable beer. Lambics and American wild ales are produced through a unique method of fermentation that gives them an earthy, fruity, and sour taste. These beers are for experimental drinkers who want to taste beers that differ from standard lagers or ales.

Seasonal and Specialty Brews

Liquor stores stock seasonal and specialty beers during different times of the year. During the autumn season, people may prefer pumpkin ales with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Winter is the right time for strong and spicy holiday beers that complement the festive holiday season. Floral beers are linked to spring, while fruity and session beers are good additions to outdoor summer events. Some breweries offer seasonal barrel-aged beers that they brew in whiskey, bourbon, or wine barrels to enhance their taste.

Non-Alcoholic and Low-ABV Beers

Non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beers are as flavorful and authentic as traditional beers but are suitable for low-ratio drinkers. Recent innovations in brewing have made it possible for craft brewers to produce non-alcoholic IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Designated drivers and those who want to savor beer’s flavor but do not want to get drunk benefit from these beverages.

Visit a Liquor Store Open Near You

The wide beverage variety in a well-stocked liquor store allows you to easily find beers you like. Whether you prefer a light, dark, or craft beer, liquor stores with curated selections will have a drink for you. Visit a local liquor store today to explore their supply of different types of beer.