7. Geographic Appellations of Beer

Appellations of beer are not founded in growing regions but rather in brewery locations. Development of global beer culture and modern beer styles are rooted in specific, historical brewing centers around the world. According to the Periodic Table of Beer Styles II, there are 65 existing beer styles. This continues to change as brewers are constantly creating new hybrids styles and in 2013, The BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) recognized 80 individual styles. In the world of beer, there are very few appellations that restrict the use of style names to a geographic areas—such as the styles of Lambic (a spontaneously fermented beer that originates from an area just southwest of Brussels) and Kölsch (a blonde, lightly hopped ale brewed only by the brewers of Cologne [Köln]). Other styles such as Trappist, while originating in medieval Normandy, France are now primarily located in the Western European countries where beer took its monastic traditions. This chapter introduces historical and geographical importance of styles such as Pilsners, Porters, Stouts, Pale Ales, India Pale Ales, Cream Ales, and Steam Beers.