10 beer styles that are moving the world - and Czech taprooms
Cold IPA: light but unforgettable
Cold IPA teeters on the edge of two worlds. Unlike a classic IPA, this beer is bottom-fermented, which gives it a full-bodied lager-like beer. But at the same time, with the help of hops, it retains the aroma characteristic of the IPA style.
The result is a light, light and dry beer which is fast finding its way from America to Europe - especially among craft beer fans. In the Czech Republic in particular, it can be enjoyed thanks to the Nozib brewery and their Cool as Ice.
Hazy IPA: with tropical notes
"Hazy IPA impresses with its typical bitterness along with citrus and tropical fruit flavours," Tereza Pospíšilová introduces the drink. Its cloudy appearance is created by cold hopping, which also enhances the aromatic components.
The style has also gained popularity with younger audiences and is particularly popular in the USA and England. However, you can also get to know it here, for example in the form of Zima beer from the Clock brewery.
Session IPA: a hoppy experience in a lighter version
Session IPA is a lighter version of the classic IPA - it retains its distinctive character, but with a lower alcohol content. It has a light golden colour with a slight haze (but not necessarily) and a hoppy aroma with notes of citrus, tropical fruit and resin.
The flavour is dominated by fruity freshness and citrus, accompanied by a medium body and a bitter hop aftertaste, the most common hops being those from the New World (USA, Australia, New Zealand). For example, Summer 2025 from Sibeeria Brewery is worth a taste.
Pastry Sour Ale: beer or smoothie?
Rather than a classic beer, Pastry Sour is more like a dessert in a glass. It's more of a beer than a pastry. a sweet and sour, fruity beer. Its recipe is often supplemented with dessert ingredients such as lactose or vanilla, as well as fruits such as mango, raspberry, peach and many others.
"This style of beer will be loved by all those who seek out unusual combinations, sweet dessert beers and beers with a wow effect," says Pospíšilová. In the Czech Republic, Chroust Brewery's Meruňkový knedlík (Apricot Dumpling) is an ideal choice.
Milkshake IPA: sweetness with a subtle bitterness
Milkshake IPA is a similarly styled beer. Again, it's a a beer enriched with lactose, which adds a sweet character to the drink. The style, however, is based primarily on the NEIPA style - "it's basically a sweeter and more decadent cousin of NEIPA, inspired by the milkshake," Pospíšilová explains.
The result is a beer with low bitterness, a juicy fruitiness and a cloudy appearance. It is popular for its sweetness, fullness and creaminess. Enjoy it in the form of Pineapple Milkshake IPA from Permon Brewery.
Barrel Aged Beer
One of the most complex beer styles is Barrel Aged Beer. Aged in oak whiskey, wine or rum barrels, it not only notes of vanilla, caramel or fruit, but also a distinctive depth of flavour. The result is a drink that will be appreciated by newcomers and connoisseurs alike.
Barrel-aged beers can be introduced to us through Metamorphosis from Wild Creatures or Charlotte 2023 from Fenetra Brewery.
India Pale Lager: bottom fermentation, top of the league flavours
India Pale Lager (IPL) is a bottom-fermented fermented lager with notes of citrus, tropical fruit or resin. The flavour profile draws on modern hop varieties learned for IPA-type beers. Fermentation at lower temperatures gives it a clean and refreshing character.
The flavour combines notes of citrus and spices, while hop bitterness is balanced by a slight malt sweetness. The ideal IPL choice for us is, for example, Galaxy 11 from the Mazák brewery.
Pale draught: refreshing charm
Pale draught beer is one of the lighter but very popular alternatives to classic lager - with a lower level (up to 10° plateau) and alcohol content.
"This traditional, bottom-fermented beverage appeals for its its smooth taste, drinkability and refreshing character. This makes it perfect for longer pub sessions, garden parties, festivals or anywhere you want to have more than one beer," says Pospíšilová.
Rice lager: a taste of the Far East
Rice lagers are gaining popularity for their great drinkability and lightness. Rice gives them a dry body and subtle character which is also dominated by a slight sweetness and a subtle bitterness.
"They pair well with Asian cuisine, and you can taste their craft version here with Falkon Brewery and their Akira beer," recommends Pospíšilová.
Non-alcoholic beer: craft quality without compromise
Non-alcoholic beers are no longer a poor substitute. Nowadays, craft breweries are also coming up with non-alcoholic versions of IPAs, sours and stouts that offer the same full-bodied taste experience as their alcoholic counterparts.
Non-alcoholic beers are increasingly becoming the choice of the younger generation, fans of healthy lifestyles and those who want to end an evening with friends without worrying behind the wheel. The Clock brewery represents the style with its Krystus non-alcoholic beer.
The article was published in the magazine Apetit.
