What are the two primary types of beer?

The two primary types of beer are indeed lagers and ales, which are distinguished by their fermentation processes. Lagers are brewed using bottom-fermenting yeast at cooler temperatures, resulting in a clean, crisp taste. They undergo a longer fermentation and conditioning period, which contributes to their smooth flavor profile. Ales, on the other hand, utilize top-fermenting yeast at warmer temperatures, leading to a more complex and fruity profile due to faster fermentation.

This fundamental classification provides a framework for understanding the myriad styles of beer that can be crafted, as most other beer styles, including stouts, wheat beers, and pilsners, fall under these two categories. Lagers and ales encapsulate the broad spectrum of beer styles, making them the primary types in the brewing world.