Original Gravity

This refers to a system for measuring the fermentable material (such as malt, garins and sugars) found in a beer pre-fermentation. It is correct to refer to the original specific gravity reading as the OG, and by considering the original sugar content the brewer is able to obtain an indication as to the probable final alcoholic content of his product.

Pilsener

Sometimes refined to just 'pils', a pilsener is a type of pale lager with it's name originating from the city of Pilsen (now Pizen in the Czech Republic).

In 1839, the citizens of Pilsen decided to establish a brewery of their own, called Bürger Brauerei (Citizens' Brewery) and brew beer in accordance with the Bavarian style of the time, including storing the beer in a cool environment and using bottom fermenting yeasts.

Jever | Hopfenkonig |  Flensburger

Porter

A very dark beer (originally brown but now almost exclusively black) who's name originates from it's popularity with the river and market porters of London in the early 18th century. Brewed from dark malts, it is a forerunner to stouts, the name for a strong version of the drink being referred to as a 'stout porter'.

Anchor Brewing |  Flying Dog

Quadrupel

A term given to beer of exceptional strength (often of 10% ABV or more) originally used for 'La Trappe Quadrupel' produced by the Trappist De Kiningshoeven Brewery in the Netherlands. More recently, American craft brewers have been using the term (or 'quad') to refer to especially strong beers with a strong ripe fruit flavour.

La Trappe

Reinheitsgebot

The German (or Bavarian) Purity Law is a regulation which was established to govern the production of beer in Germany. In it's original context, it stated that only water, barley and hops could be used in brewing: the law has since been relaxed, however many German brewers still state they uphold the original context.

Flensburger |  Schneider Weisse |  Erdinger |  Schlenkerla |  Früh Kölsch |  Küppers Kölsch