Lager - Simply, a beer made by bottom fermentation. The yeast causes the fermentation to occur at the bottom of the vessel. The better lager beers are aged for long periods of time at near freezing temperatures. Generally, lagers are light bodied. Pale Ale - A copper colored ale.
Ales are higher in alcohol content.
An ale is fermented at a higher temperature and for a shorter period of time, then stored at a higher temperature. Ales will continue to age in the bottle. Brown Ale - As above, but usually a dark colored ale, and somewhat sweet in taste. Stout - An extra dark top fermenting brew. The yeast causes the fermentation to occur on the surface of the vessel.