There are three main types of beer: lager, ale and stout. Lager beers are the most popular type in the world, accounting for more than 60 percent of all beer sales. Ale is made from a variety of different malts and hops and tends to be bitterness-free; it’s mostly consumed by Americans or people who like hoppy flavors. Stout is a dark, heavy beer that can range in flavor from sweet to bitter.