Understand and Compare Beer Styles
GlobalBeerIndex brings 140+ beer styles into one consistent framework — making it easier to explore what defines them, compare how they differ, and discover styles that match your taste.
140+ beer styles • 15 sensory dimensions • 13 style families • Independent
What makes GlobalBeerIndex different?
Beer styles are often described separately. GlobalBeerIndex describes them within one consistent structure, making meaningful comparison possible.
One framework
140+ beer styles are described using the same structure, rather than as isolated style descriptions.
Sensory-based
Every style is mapped across the same 15 sensory dimensions, from colour and aroma to bitterness, body and finish.
Structured & comparable
Standardised ranges, tags, families and relationships make it possible to explore similarities and differences systematically.
Independent
Built as an independent beer reference, without ties to breweries, competitions or sponsors.
Explore GlobalBeerIndex
Use the same structured beer style framework in different ways — explore styles, compare their characteristics, find your match, or investigate competition results.
Beer Style Explorer
Explore 140+ beer styles through sensory profiles, families, characteristics and side-by-side comparisons.
Beer Style Match
Tell us what you enjoy in beer and discover which styles best match your preferences.
Compare Beer Styles
See how beer styles differ across sensory characteristics, ingredients, aromas and other defining features.
Competitions & Awards
Explore results from major beer competitions and see how award categories connect to GBI beer styles.
Need more advanced tools? Advanced filtering, full style comparison and data exports are available in GBI PRO.
One framework for every beer style
GlobalBeerIndex doesn’t just collect beer style descriptions. Each style is represented using the same sensory dimensions, structured characteristics and classification system. This creates a common framework for exploration and comparison.
Structured characteristics
Standardised tags for aromas, ingredients, yeast character, origin and more.
For education, research & professional use
The same structured framework can also support beer education, research, competition analysis and other professional applications.
Interested in using GlobalBeerIndex data or exploring a collaboration? Get in touch.
About GlobalBeerIndex
GlobalBeerIndex is an independent project that brings structure to the complex world of beer styles.
Instead of treating every beer style as a separate description, GBI represents styles within one consistent framework of sensory characteristics, style attributes, families and relationships. This makes it easier to understand what defines a style — and how it compares with others.
The framework powers the Beer Style Explorer, style comparisons, Beer Style Match and competition analysis, while also providing a foundation for education and professional applications.
Our mission: make beer style knowledge structured, understandable and easy to explore.
Founded by Pascal Baars, GlobalBeerIndex combines analytical modelling with beer expertise to build an independent and consistent reference for beer styles.
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