"Beer" is the casual term used to describe a cold refreshing alcoholic beverage made of malt and hops. However, for those with more than a passing interest in the drink, a single word is far from sufficient to describe it. When it comes to types of beer, there are many, many options to choose from. The amount of differing characteristics that can be found is surprising, with most people having a favorite type even if they are not aware of it. You'd be surprised at how a pilsner can differ from a porter, or how a stout stands out from a cider. Most beers, particularly those sold commercially, are processed using similar methods. However, there are enough slight variations on the basic brewing process for each type of beer to have individual characteristics. Taste, appearance and aroma are just some of the qualities that make different beers unique. Some common favorites include these: Lager: Some of the world's most popular beer brands are lagers. These include American styles including basic lager, all-malt lager, light lager, double pilsner, malt liquor and low-alcohol or "light" beers. Germany and the Czech Republic are seen as the international leaders in the production of them.