Beer Styles

The world of beer styles is an ever-evolving landscape of knowledge and experience. Beer styles pay homage to brewing traditions, local ingredients and processes whilst also celebrating emerging styles of beer and the refinement of existing categories through time.

The styles listed here reflect the styles that are most common and celebrated as part of the Australian Independent Beer Awards, with short, jargon-free descriptions included to help anyone understand the similarities and differences.

Photo: Smart Brothers Brewing

Lager
Modern Pale Ale
Traditional Pale Ale
Juicy-Hazy Pale Ale
Modern India Pale Ale (IPA)
Traditional India Pale Ale (IPA)
Non-Alcoholic Beer
Reduced/Low Alcohol Beer
British & European Style
Sour, Funk & Fruity
Specialty
Strong, Wood & Barrel-Aged
Amber-Dark Beer
We acknowledge the traditional Aboriginal custodians of country throughout Australia, and their ongoing connection to the land and waters. We pay our respects to their culture and Elders past, present and future