Identify the subjectstwo types of beer are ale and lager. ale and lager have some differences. ale uses yeast that ferments while floating on top of the brew while lager uses yeast that ferments on the bottom. they have very different tastes. each kind of beer also has its own history and traditions. porter ales are and example. men--called porters--unloaded cargo from british sailing vessels and wanted a strong ale to drink at lunch hour. it had to supply the calories for their strenuous work. thus, porter is a heavy, rich beer.