Beer Basics: A Guide to Types and Styles

Sep 13, 2025

Explore lagers, pilsners, ales, IPAs, stouts, sours & more in our Beer Guide. Shop top brands & Maryland craft breweries at Key Bridge Liquors in Pasadena, MD.

By By Alex Rosati

Resident Beer Dude
At Key Bridge Liquors, we know beer lovers come in all tastes and styles—and so does beer itself. That’s why our shelves in Curtis Bay, Maryland are stocked with everything from crisp lagers to bold stouts, refreshing wheat beers to hoppy IPAs. Whether you’re a casual drinker looking for something light and easy or a craft beer enthusiast chasing the latest seasonal release, understanding the different types of beer will help you find your next favorite six-pack.

Lagers

Lagers are the most widely enjoyed style of beer, known for being clean, crisp, and refreshing. Fermented at cooler temperatures, they’re light-bodied with subtle flavors that make them perfect for any occasion. Popular substyles include American light lagers and dark lagers.

Some of the lagers we have in stock:

  • Michelob Ultra
  • Corona Extra
  • Yuengling Lager

Pilsners

Pilsners are a specific type of lager that originated in the Czech Republic and Germany. They’re known for their golden color, crisp body, and distinctive hop bite that makes them slightly more flavorful than standard lagers. Easy to drink yet complex enough to please beer enthusiasts, pilsners are perfect for pairing with everything from burgers to seafood.

Some of the pilsners we have in stock:

  • Miller Lite
  • Stella Artois
  • Pilsner Urquell

Ales

Ales are aged with top-fermenting yeast at warmer temperatures, creating beers that are often richer, fruitier, and more robust than lagers. This broad category includes countless styles, from pale ales to brown ales and IPAs, each offering unique flavors and aromas.

Some of the ales we have in stock:

  • Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
  • Kona Big Wave Golden Ale
  • Killian’s Irish Red Ale

IPAs (India Pale Ales)

IPAs are among the most popular craft beer styles, known for their bold hop character. They can range from piney and bitter to juicy and tropical, depending on the hops used. Substyles include West Coast IPA, New England IPA (hazy), and session IPA for lower alcohol content.

Some of the IPAs we have in stock:

  • Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA
  • Troegs Perpetual IPA
  • Heavy Seas Loose Cannon IPA

Wheat Beers

Wheat beers are brewed with a high percentage of wheat, giving them a light, refreshing, and slightly cloudy appearance. They often feature notes of citrus, banana, or clove, making them especially popular in the summer months. Styles include German Hefeweizens and Belgian Witbiers.

Some of the wheat beers we have in stock:

  • Blue Moon Belgian White
  • Hoegaarden Belgian Wit
  • Allagash Wheat

Stouts and Porters

Dark, rich, and full of flavor, stouts and porters are perfect ales for anyone who enjoys roasted, malty beers. These styles often showcase notes of chocolate, coffee, caramel, and even oatmeal. While porters tend to have notes of roasted grains, stouts bring more sweetness and creaminess.

Some of the stouts and porters we have in stock:

  • Guinness Draught
  • Goose Island Bourbon County Stout
  • Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout

Sours

Sour beers are tart, tangy, and refreshing, created through wild fermentation or the addition of fruits. They range from lightly tart Berliner Weisse to intensely funky lambics and wild ales. Sour beers are a hit with adventurous drinkers looking for something different.

Some of the sours we carry:

  • Victory Sour Monkey Tripel
  • Dogfish Head SeaQuench Ale
  • Oliver Brewing Co. Bmore Sour

 

Specialty & Seasonal Beers

From pumpkin ales in the fall to fruity summer shandies, specialty and seasonal beers bring creativity and variety to the shelves. These limited-time offerings showcase unique ingredients, festive flavors, and experimental brewing styles.

Some of the seasonal beers we have in stock:

  • Sam Adams Oktoberfest
  • Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy
  • Southern Tier Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale

Discover Beer at Key Bridge Liquors

At Key Bridge Liquors, our beer selection is designed for every palate—from mainstream favorites to hard-to-find craft brews. Our team can help you navigate the different beer types and styles, recommend local brewery gems, and point you toward seasonal releases you won’t want to miss. Proudly serving Curtis Bay and surrounding areas, we make it easy to stock your fridge with legendary beers that match your taste.

Explore Our Legendary Beer Selection

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