When ordering a beer at a sports bar, it’s helpful to know the terms to describe the different brews. This knowledge can make it easy to select a drink that you’ll enjoy. Plus, you can explain it to others. Here are six beer vocab terms to learn.

How to Accurately Use Beer Terms

1. Malt

Most sports bar menus feature malt liquor. This high-alcohol content beer has over 5% alcohol per volume and provides a nutty flavor. Some people taste caramel from when the barley grain is roasted, and it adds a little sweetness to the brew.

2. Dark

If you like dark beers, that doesn’t mean you prefer ones that are dark brown or dark tan. Instead, you may like dark flavors, such as malt grains, that have been roasted for longer than a malty brew, turning the sweet caramel notes into coffee or chocolate flavors. Ale, stout, porter, and lager are all darker beers.

3. Light

Light beers feature low alcohol content and provide a crisp taste. Many people prefer these brews in the summer when they want a beer that will help them beat the heat; light drinks are refreshing and don’t feature intense flavors. Those who enjoy light beers should try options like Coors®, Bud Light®, Miller Lite®.

4. Hoppy

When a beer tastes like hops, it often has a bitter flavor. This flower also offers a fruity, citrus taste and aroma. Many people describe India Pale Ale (IPAs) as hoppy because it has a high IBU rating or measurement of international bitterness units.

5. Balanced

People who think a beer tastes evenly of hops and malt may call it balanced. These brews typically have hints of malty sweetness that cover up the potentially astringent qualities of the hops. For a balanced drink, look for options with a .5 difference in the IBUs to Gravity Units or sugars as listed on the beer ingredients list.

6. Craft

Today, sports bars and micropubs offer a wide range of craft beers. Small breweries create these beverages by hand, making fewer flavors and quantities of beers in favor of taste and quality over production quantities. These options often feature unusual flavor mixes, like wild rice or hemp.

If you’re looking for a sports bar to try out this beer vocabulary, visit Bungalow Inn in Washington County, MN. The family-owned and operated American restaurant offers tasty drink and food menus. Visit the website or call (651) 436-5005 for information on their available dishes. From breakfast favorites, like French toast, to chicken sandwiches and ribs, everyone is sure to find something tasty at this local favorite.