A walk along the nineteenth -century beer roads
Imagine in the nineteenth century, a time when beers were traveling in carts that seemed taken from a jeans. Yes, the brewers used a variety of vehicles to carry their golden elíxir, from traditional carts to floats that crossed the streets of Burton Upon Trent, carrying barrels as if they were treasures. These transport were pure ingenuity. But, curiously, in those days nobody could imagine talking about “beer styles.” Instead, they talked about “types”, as if each beer was a different chapter in an adventure book.
From the malt to modern styles: the evolution of beer language
As the decades passed, the beer language began to take shape. In a book of 1830, William Brande was already beginning to classify beers into categories such as Porters and Ales. Meanwhile, in 1852, Marcus Lafayette Byrn took the next step when referring to “species” of beer. Quickly, this beautiful beer language was built on the variety premises, but the term “styles” was not yet on the table!
Books that marked the story
A look at some emblematic publications reveals how the notion of classifying beers was taking more way. In 1934, an anonymous author identified 20 varieties and subsequently referred to five “types.” But it was Michael Jackson in the 80s who made the great jump, by clearly differentiating between types of beers and their styles. His “World Guide To Beer” brought a revolution that made each brewer think twice before seeing their beers only as ‘Ale’ or ‘Lager’ classifications.
The great hero of style: Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson, a name that almost resonates like a rock star in the beer universe, gave voice to what was previously a mere whisper in the world of beer. Already in 1988, he had established the division between beers into three large joints: high fermentation, low and those that had a touch of wheat. This brought with it the understanding that we are not only talking about beers, but of a rich cultural heritage.
Styles vs. Types: definitive differentiation
Over time, the term ‘beer style’ became popular worldwide, differentiating them by their characteristics of aroma, flavor and appearance. They were no longer mere types, but packaged works of art, each with their history to tell. Jackson, in turn, also laid the foundations for what we know today as the “Beer Judge Certificion Program”, making each home brewer competition a scenario to demonstrate his styles master.
The home brewer’s revolution and the future of style
Thanks to pioneers like Jackson and Fred Eckhardt, the beer culture in the United States went from being a hobby to become a flourishing industry. Varieties of beer styles began to flourish in an authentic explosion of creativity and passion. Today, although their definitions have evolved, the essence of these styles is still alive and vibrant, with brewers around the world seeking to imitate and celebrate beer traditions through their own creations.
What tells us the future?
As we advance in the 21st century, the beer world continues to expand at an accelerated pace. New techniques, ingredients and styles emerge almost weekly, which makes us ask ourselves: what new beer styles will emerge on the horizon? Only time will say it, but what is clear to us is that each sip is part of an evolutionary story that still has many chapters to write.
