An ice-cold beer is refreshing after a long day. When you go to a bar or restaurant and look at what's on tap, you might want to know more about each beer type. Here's a helpful guide to common varieties, how they taste, and what foods can bring out their flavors.

A Guide to Different Beers

1. Bock

Bocks originate in Germany and feature prominent malt flavors that give them a copper color and nutty finish. Traditional bocks are toasty and sweet, making them work well with savory meat and vegetable dishes. 

Doppelbocks are stronger and fuller-bodied with a higher alcohol content. Try these beverages with heavy foods like red meats and aged cheeses. 

2. Lager

Lagers and pilsners, which rose to popularity in Germany and Czechia, have a gold coloration, light flavor palette, and lower ABV. Darker European lagers are smooth with toasted caramel and malty notes. Both light and dark lagers pair nicely with most American cuisine, such as buffalo wings and burgers, and they provide a refreshing reprieve to heavy meats and spices.

3. IPA

India Pale Ale (IPA) is a British pale ale that includes extra hops in the brewing process. Hops are flowers that give beer its bitter flavor and can also lend it floral, woody, or citrus notes. 

American IPAs are usually more bitter and have a higher alcohol content with lemony and herby hops. These beers taste delicious with foods that have similarly strong flavors, such as gamey meats and Italian cheeses. 

4. Stout

Stouts are dark and roasted ales with bitter coffee and chocolate flavors created by adding unmalted barley during fermentation. These beers have a dark brown coloration and characteristically creamy head. Stouts cut through heavy foods such as red meat and pasta dishes but also contrast nicely with lighter shellfish and creamy cheeses. 

The next time you have a craving for your favorite beer or want to try a new variety, head to Gianna Via's Restaurant & Bar. This bar offers a selection of domestic and imported beers along with breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes to patrons throughout the Greater South Hills, PA, area. Call (412) 882-6500 to ask about weekly specials or place a takeout order, or visit the website to browse their full restaurant and bar menus.