Baltic summer has arrived. For three days. And we’ve already opened the beer.

Summer in the Baltics is a rare event — and that’s exactly why it’s so valuable. When the thermometer shows above +22°C for a few days, shorts, barbecues, plastic chairs and, of course, beer appear on the streets.

In Latvia, beer isn’t just a drink. It’s part of the culture, a tradition, and a beloved companion of short evenings on the terrace or a lakeside picnic. If you still think beer is just “light” or “dark”, we’ve got news for you.

Here’s a short and handy guide to 20 lager styles that will help you navigate the selection and make more informed choices. Perfect for gourmets as well as buyers looking to refresh their lineup in a bar, store, or warehouse.

20 lager styles worth knowing:

Amber, Rotbier, Kellerbier — Amber to dark, unfiltered, malty sweetness, hints of vanilla or caramel.

American Lager — Very pale, fizzy, light, often brewed with rice or corn.

Bock — Copper to dark, toasty and caramel flavors.

Czech Lager — Golden, grassy and bready aroma, light diacetyl acceptable.

Dark Lager — Coffee, chocolate tones, from amber to brown.

Doppelbock — Dark, rich, above 7% ABV, caramel, bread.

Dortmunder — Golden, spicy hops, citrus touches.

Helles & Münchener — Pale, sweet malt, floral notes.

Hoppy Pilsener — Hoppy, citrus, pine, fruity complexity.

Light Lager — Up to 3% or alcohol-free, low-calorie.

Maibock & Helles Bock — Golden, malty, up to 8% ABV.

North German Pilsner — Light-gold, dry finish, floral.

Oktoberfestbier & Märzen — Seasonal, toasted, clean.

Pilsner — Classic, citrusy, hoppy.

Poltomavý — Half-dark Czech, between pils and dark.

Rauchbier — Smoked, campfire-like flavor.

Strong Lager — Bold, chocolate, dried fruit, up to 14% ABV.

Vienna Lager — Amber, caramel, dry finish.

Zoigl — Simple, light, citrusy.

Zwickl & Kellerbier — Unfiltered, malty and slightly bitter.