Did you hear of lager beer before? Lager is a classic and most loved beer often associated with a frosty brew. It is consumed and preferred worldwide and has a crisp and refreshing flavor profile. Often available in a soft golden color, this delicious beer is available in many varieties.
In this blog post, we’ll unlock the facts, flavors, and serving tips for lager.
How Do Lager Tastes?
When it comes to taste, lager gives a hint of hop flavor, mainly due to its carbonated content. The ABV (Alcohol By Volume) often ranges from 4.5 to 13%, while the bitterness is typically low, ranging from 5 to 45 IBU. In the US, lager has a distinct and refreshing palate and scent, making it one of the most popular beers.
Difference Between Lager and Ale
Lager and Ale can often be misunderstood as a similar beer variety, but they are actually quite different.
Lager is prepared using cool fermentation yeast that settles at the bottom during the fermentation process. The slow growth of yeast in this beer comes with a subtle, smooth, and light flavor with a refreshing palate.
On the other hand, ale is prepared from yeast that grows in warmer temperatures. During the fermentation of water and sugar, this yeast settles at the top and creates a foamy texture. When the beer is poured, it comes up with a rich and frothy texture with fruity and spicy flavors.
Lager Needs A Longer Resting Period To Develop The Flavor Profile
Before being served, lager beer variants are aged for several months in colder climates following the initial fermentation process. The yeast in lager needs time to slowly ferment at a cold temperature and develop a subtle flavor. This slow fermentation also contributes to the deliciously rich flavor profile found in dark beer variations.
Not Just Golden Yellow, Lager Comes In Many Other Hues
The clear, crisp taste and delicate golden yellow hue of lager are among its most notable characteristics. However, lager beer comes in a wide range of complex aromas and color hues. The original German lager had a dark hue.
Not only this, the Schwarzbier lager is nearly black, while the Vienna lager is rich amber-colored.
How Is Lager Beer Brewed?
A variety of beer styles and tastes can be produced using the lager brewing technique. Of all the varieties, Dunkel is a German-style lager made with amber-colored or roasted malts with a slightly bitter profile. Pilsner is a pale beer with delicate undertones of bitterness and a keen crispness. Helles tastes somewhat like a Pilsner and has a hint of hop flavor. Bock is thick and sweet with overpowering notes of chocolate. Other common beer varieties that originate from lager include Schwarzbiers, Ambers, Czech, and Mass-Market Lagers.
Lager Serving & Pairing Tips
Lager should always be served and enjoyed cold. Tilt the glass to about 45 degrees and slowly pour the drink. A pint glass or mug can be used to serve dark and mass-brewed lagers whereas a Pilsner glass is ideal for a Pilsner-style lager. For Bocks and Helles, use a stemmed goblet, whereas Ambers are best served in steins.
When it comes to lager and food pairing, pizza and salads are the best choice. These food pairings can elevate the taste of lager to a level up. American lagers make a great pairing with BBQ pizzas whereas German lagers taste great with cheese pizzas.
If you are looking for an imported beer near me, Ballard Beer Box has got you covered. We have over 300 bottles of beers and lagers with 14 rotating taps. For beer and pizza lovers, we got the best pizzas in Seattle. Our Godfather Pepperoni and Queen Margarita pizza goes well with all beer and lager varieties. Join us for a mesmerizing lager and pizza party today. Waiting to see you there!