Words from the Brewer - Understanding Different Styles of Beer at Big Pitcher

Step into any pub and the beer menu reads like a tome. Lager. Wheat beer. Stout. IPA. Ale. The terms sound daunting at first. But after 11 years of brewing craft beer in Bangalore, Master Brewery Prithvi has taken it upon himself to demystify beer for all. Today, he's doing it in plain English so you can order with confidence.

Craft beer styles explained do not have to be difficult. Consider beer styles in the same way as music genres. Rock is good for some. Jazz for others. One is not superior. It's just different. The same goes for beer. Knowing the fundamentals makes it easier to discover what works best for you.

The Big Question - Wheat Beer vs Lager Beer

Let's begin with the most frequent argument – wheat beer vs lager beer in India drinkers have to deal with all the time. They're two entirely distinct experiences. Lager is what people generally think of when they hear "beer." It's clean. Crisp. Refreshing. Easy-drinking. It's light gold in color. Smooth on the way down. Great for Bangalore's climate.

Wheat beer is not the same. It's cloudy. Softer. Slightly sweet in flavor. Tends to have a hint of banana or clove. Less carbonated than lager. Smooths out on your tongue. Most people who dislike ordinary beer as being too bitter love wheat beer. It's milder. More accessible.

At Big Pitcher, our wheat beer is brewed with a higher proportion of wheat compared to barley. This gives it that signature cloudy appearance and smooth texture. Our lager, on the other hand, is fermented at cooler temperatures for longer periods. This creates that crisp, clean finish people expect from a good lager.

Breaking Down the Beer Families

Master Brewery Prithvi breaks it down like this, all beers belong to two big families. Ales and lagers. The rest is a variation of these two. Ales ferment at higher temperatures. They mature quickly. They have more subtle flavors. Usually fruity or spicy flavors. Lagers ferment cold and slowly. They're cleaner. Crisper. More linear.

In these families, you have various styles. IPAs are ales with plenty of hops. That is where the bitterness is coming from. Stouts are dark-colored ales that use roasted malts. They have a flavor like coffee or chocolate. Wheat beers can either be ales or lagers, depending on their style.

What Makes Craft Beer Different

Individuals always discuss what distinguishes craft beer in Bangalore from commercial beer. The response is easy – ingredients, time, and attention. Commercial breweries employ more affordable ingredients. They speed up the procedure. They include items to make it faster and more inexpensive. Craft breweries such as Big Pitcher use another method.

We use top-quality malts. We import certain varieties of hops. We let the beer mature and allow it to form its flavors. What you experience is pure beer. Just malt, hops, yeast, and water. The way it should be brewed.

Beer Tasting 101

Beer tasting in Bangalore, aficionados are aware that beer drinking and beer tasting are not the same thing. If you taste beer in the right way, you pay attention to details you'd otherwise overlook. Color informs you about the malts used. Aroma provides clues about hops and yeast. The first taste lets you know about the body and carbonation. Finish informs you regarding the balance.

At Big Pitcher, our employees can walk you through proper beer tasting. We regularly set up impromptu tasting sessions. What makes the style stand out? How it's produced. It's learning and entertainment in one. And it totally alters the way you perceive beer.

The Big Pitcher Brewing Process

Knowing what goes into a brewery tour in Bangalore lets the consumer see the true art in every pint. At Big Pitcher, it begins with choosing the perfect ingredients. Every style requires a specific malt and hops.

The malts are ground and blended with hot water. That is mashing. It breaks down starches into sugars. The liquid is then separated and boiled with hops. This is the source of bitterness and aroma. Once boiled, it's cooled and yeast is added. Then the magic begins – fermentation.

Finding Your Perfect Beer

Big Pitcher is the best brewery in Bangalore to so many because we don't tell people what to like, we let them find out what they like. Our 6-7 various craft beer styles provide you with an actual choice. You can try them all.

If bitter beers aren't your thing, our wheat beer is the perfect starting point. For something light and easy, our lager hits the spot. The adventurous types love our IPA. Those looking for something rich and filling find their match in our stout. And those seasonal specials are limited-time experiments that keep things exciting.

Master Brewery Prithvi's philosophy is straightforward, good beer will make you happy. Not dazed. Not afraid. Just happy. Whether you're a beer connoisseur or sampling craft beer for the first time, there's something at Big Pitcher that'll suit you.

Understanding beer styles isn't about memorizing facts. It's about knowing what you enjoy and why. It's about appreciating the craft behind each pint. It's about trying new things while respecting your preferences. Come to Big Pitcher. Talk to our team. Taste different styles. Find your favorite. That's what craft beer is all about.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the main types of beer available at Big Pitcher Bangalore?

A. At Big Pitcher, you’ll find a wide variety of beer styles from crisp lagers and smooth wheat beers to flavorful IPAs, stouts, and seasonal specials, all freshly brewed in-house.

Q2. What is the difference between lager and wheat beer?

A. Lager is light, crisp, and refreshing, perfect for Bangalore’s weather. Wheat beer is cloudy, soft, and slightly sweet with fruity notes, ideal for those who prefer a milder taste.

Q3. Why is craft beer better than commercial beer?

A. Craft beer is brewed with premium ingredients, without shortcuts. At Big Pitcher, each batch is carefully crafted using high-quality malts, hops, yeast, and water, no additives, no compromises.

Q4. Can I learn about beer tasting at Big Pitcher Bangalore?

A. Yes! Big Pitcher regularly hosts tasting sessions where guests can learn to identify aroma, flavor, and texture differences across various beer styles.

Q5. Which beer should I try first at Big Pitcher?

A. If you’re new to craft beer, start with Big Pitcher’s signature Wheat Beer, smooth, aromatic, and easy to drink. For something bold, go for the IPA or Stout.