What is the Difference Between Beer and Lager?
In the universe of fermented beverages, 'beer' is a broad term that encompasses a multitude of styles, including ales, stouts, porters, and, of course, lagers. In essence, all lagers are beers, but not all beers are lagers. This difference can be attributed primarily to the brewing process and the type of yeast used.
What Kind of Beer is Lager and What is a Lager?
A lager is a type of beer conditioned at low temperatures and made with Saccharomyces pastorianus, a specific species of yeast. This unique yeast strain and the low-temperature fermentation and storage process contribute to lager's defining characteristics - a clean, crisp flavour and a smooth, well-rounded body.
What's in a Lager?
The fundamental components of a lager are water, malted barley, yeast, and hops. The star of the show, however, is the yeast - Saccharomyces pastorianus. This yeast ferments at lower temperatures compared to ale yeasts, usually between 7 to 13 degrees Celsius, and settles at the bottom of the fermentation vessel. This 'bottom-fermenting' process, coupled with a prolonged period of lagering (cold storage), gives lagers their distinctively clean and crisp taste.
What Are the Types of Lagers and How Many Types of Lagers Are There?
Lagers aren't confined to a single style but span a spectrum that showcases a diverse range of flavours, aromas, and colours. From light Pilsners to dark Dunkels, there are countless types of lagers to suit a variety of palates.
1. Pilsner: The Pilsner style holds a special place in the lager family, with its roots firmly planted in the Czech city of Plzeň. Known for its light, golden hue, Pilsners offer a robust hop flavour and a crisp, refreshing finish. The 'Pilsner Urquell', the original Pilsner, is a testament to the style's rich heritage and continues to be celebrated for its exceptional quality. However, Pilsners aren't exclusive to the Czech Republic. They have made a significant mark in Germany as well, leading to the development of the German Pilsner. The German take on this classic lager tends to have a more pronounced hop bitterness compared to its Czech counterpart, while still maintaining the signature light colour and high clarity. One of the most renowned German Pilsners is 'Beck's', known for its crisp and mildly bitter profile. This style, whether it be Czech or German, laid the groundwork for many popular lager beers and remains a go-to choice for beer enthusiasts across the globe.
2. Märzen: Traditionally brewed in March and stored until the Munich Oktoberfest, Märzens are rich, amber lagers with a malty sweetness and a dry finish.
3. Dunkel: Dunkels, meaning 'dark' in German, are dark lagers with a smooth, malty taste, showcasing flavours of chocolate and caramel.
4. Helles: A 'light' or 'bright' lager in colour and not in ABV, Helles lagers are malty but balanced with a delicate hop bitterness.
5. Bock: These are strong lagers that can range from pale (Maibock) to dark brown (Traditional Bock), with a pronounced malty sweetness and a high alcohol content.
6. Vienna Lager: Characterised by a toasty malt aroma and a clean, crisp finish, Vienna Lagers range in colour from amber to reddish-brown.
This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other lager styles, each with its unique qualities and taste profiles.
What Is the Most Common Lager and What Are Common Lager Beers?
The Pilsner style is arguably the most widespread lager, celebrated worldwide for its refreshing and hoppy character. This style laid the groundwork for many popular lager beers, including 'Pilsner Urquell', the original Pilsner from the Czech Republic, and 'Heineken', a renowned Dutch brand.
In the realm of common lager beers, some names stand out due to their widespread popularity and distribution. These include 'Budweiser', a classic American-style lager, 'Corona', a Mexican pale lager often served with a slice of lime, and 'Beck's', a crisp and mildly bitter German Pilsner.
In conclusion, lagers represent a fascinating and diverse category within the world of beer. Their wide range of styles, flavours, and colours cater to all sorts of beer drinkers, from the casual enthusiast to the seasoned connoisseur. Here's to uncovering more about the fantastic world of lagers. Cheers!