International Beer Day 2025: 7 must-try beer types for every taste

International Beer Day is celebrated every year on the first Friday of August — in 2025, that’s August 1. Started in 2007 in California, it quickly grew into a global event. It’s a day to celebrate beer lovers and brewers, try new or international brews, and simply enjoy the social bond that beer often brings to gatherings across cultures. Here's the 7 types of beer you need to try:
Lager: Lagers are one of the most popular beer styles globally. They're fermented at low temperatures and matured longer, resulting in a crisp, clean, and smooth taste. Perfect for hot days and casual drinking, lagers are great for beginners and seasoned beer lovers alike.

A more flavourful cousin of lager, pilsners originate from the Czech town of Pilsen. They're light-bodied with a slightly bitter, floral hop profile and a zesty finish. Ideal for those who like their beer light but not bland.

IPAs are known for their bold hop-forward flavours, often with citrus, pine, or floral notes. Originally brewed for long sea voyages, modern IPAs range from bitter West Coast styles to juicy New England IPAs.

Dark and intense, stouts are brewed with roasted malt or barley, giving them flavours reminiscent of coffee, chocolate, or even burnt caramel. Whether dry like Guinness or sweet like milk stout, they’re perfect for sipping slowly.

Made with a higher percentage of wheat in the grain mix, wheat beers are smooth, creamy, and often hazy. They feature notes of banana, clove, or citrus, and are low in bitterness, making them extremely refreshing.

Originally brewed by Belgian farmers for summer workers, saisons are farmhouse ales with spicy, fruity, and earthy notes. They often have a dry finish and moderate bitterness, making them complex yet thirst-quenching.

Sour beers are brewed using wild yeast strains or bacteria, giving them a tart, tangy, or funky flavour. Varieties like gose or lambic often include fruit or herbs, offering a unique, palate-awakening experience.