While still popular in the British Isles, this legislation determined that only lager yeast could ferment beer in Bavaria, as it was too cold for ale yeast to do well in those months. The term gravity refers to the density of beer. All beers, no matter how great or small, are made from a basic combination of water, malts, hops, and yeast. Whether you like a bolder flavor with an ale, or a taste or more clean tasting lager, knowing the difference between the two could make you really impressive to your friends. Gravity: All beers have some level of viscosity, whether it’s dense or watery. Personally, we love all beers equally – just so long as they’re good! Lagers – By contrast, lagers are made with bottom-fermenting yeast that work best at cooler temperatures, between 35° and 55° Fahrenheit. As compared to ales, lagers have a cleaner and crisper quality with emphasis on the hops and malt flavors. Indian Pale Ale (IPAs) are well-known for their world-class flavors and light color. Is one style better than the other? Dark. Show Ponies vs Workhorses. We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. They’re served warmer than lagers (40 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the type of ale) and tend to have a somewhat bitter taste. Ales, the oldest beers in the world, have been around thousands of years longer than lagers. Though this statement is true on its face, it’s actually a bit more complicated than that. Alesare typically robust and aromatic. Do you have a preference for ales or lagers? IPA, also known as the Indian Pale Ale, originated as a form of an ale, as the name suggests. ©2021 Group Nine Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Lager has a rich flavor of malts and hops. You can speed up the process by raising the temperatures, but it will be at the sacrifice of fruity ester off notes being imparted into the beer. Lagers, which have Bavari… Lagers run the same spectrum. Flavor: In the U.K., this brew has a strong malty and woody flavor. This yeast sinks to the bottom of the fermentation tank during fermentation. Sign up here for our daily Thrillist email and subscribe here for our YouTube channel to get your fix of the best in food/drink/fun. Lagers tend to have a light, crisp taste and a smooth, well-balanced flavor. Ale vs Lager – History renegade brewing The Story of Lager Beer. Pilsners and malt liquor are different styles within the lager category. Along the way, well dispel a few myths and learn more about what defines this seemingly stark division of the worlds great beer styles. The reason why all beers are either an ale or a lager is that there are two main yeast strains used in beer, an ale strain, and a lager strain. Almost certainly, though ale is almost impossible to find these days. This type of yeast and the fermentation temperature tend to give ales a fruitier and spicier flavor than lagers. All beers are made as ales or lagers; ale and lager are the two main branches (classifications) of the beer family tree and are closely related branches at that.Ales are the older, distinguished, traditional brews of the world, predating lagers by thousands of years, whereas lagers are a relatively modern creation, less than 200 years old. Experientially, the difference between a lager and an ale can be explained with brands of beer everybody knows: lagers are the crisp, thirst-quenching yellow beers … IPA was created during the British invasion of India. In general, ales are more robust and complex. The fermentation process when the beer is brewed is different for lagers and ales. This type of yeast and the fermentation temperature tend to give ales a fruitier and spicier flavor than lagers. Common styles of ale include pale ale, India pale ale, amber ale, porters, and stouts. The Wittlesbacher Family had a dynasty that ruled for 738 years in Bavaria between 1180 to 1918. Since lagers are a very broad beer style, there are actually many lager styles. What People Want from a Healer in the Midst of a Pandemic, A Middle School Math Teacher Planning Lessons and Lunch, The Columbus, OH-based Forager Who's Become a TikTok Star, A Food Justice Advocate and Mother Talks Breastfeeding and Herb Gardens, Bryant Terry's Sautéed Cabbage and Roasted Potatoes, Vivian Howard's Baked Pimento Cheese and Sausage, Beer with Dinner: The Basics of Pairing Beer and Food. Not whether or not it’s used, but the specific type. By far, the most common pilsner style is a Czech pilsner. Related: Beer with Dinner: The Basics of Pairing Beer and Food, (Image: Flickr member JMRosenfeld licensed under Creative Commons). Types of Lagers. So then what really distinguishes an ale from a lager? Yes, they might as well be an equal player in the ale vs. lager vs. pilsner game! Lager vs Ale, believe it or not there is a difference? So lets approach the question by way of four of the most commonly offered answers. Lager has fewer phenols and esters than ale, but it isn’t one-dimensional. It’s sleeker, crisper, and generally lower-malt, but lager doesn’t necessarily … Both species consume sugar and turn it into carbon dioxide and ethanol (alcohol), but ale yeast prefers to do so at a higher brewing temperature than lager yeast. Lager, pale ale, stout, and wheat beer? Real ale tastes of something. The terms ale and lager carry with them considerably less definitional baggage. Lager yeast is very slow at fermenting and can take over twice as long to finish fermentation vs ale yeast not even counting the lagering phase. Brewed in warmer temperatures, ales take less time to ferment compared to lagers. If you had to compare beer to wine, lager would be more similar to white wine. Lagers are the more recent of the two, having developed in the Bavarian breweries of the 15th and 16th century. "To generalize, most beer styles fit into two simple (sometimes not so simple) categories: ales and lagers. Fermentation happens more slowly and the beer is more stable, so it can be stored (or “lagered”) for longer than ales. By Marty Nachel, Steve Ettlinger . Ale vs. Lager – At A Glance; In the most basic classification scheme, there are two main types of beer. Types of Pilsners. As a result, this provides a stronger taste compared to a Lager. As a beer a drinker, one usually shops for beer based on taste. At least about beers. The Germans fell in love with the taste of this beer and soon passed the famous Bavarian Purity Law of 1516 making it illegal to brew in the warm summer months (effectively eliminating ales). They are often less bitter than other styles of beers. For one, they taste very different from other lager types. I think that is because people are too embarrassed to ask; like somehow, as a beer drinker you are already supposed to … It’s general knowledge among beer enthusiasts that lager uses a bottom-fermenting yeast while ale uses a top-fermenting yeast. In general, ales are more robust and complex. Ales – Ales are brewed with a top-fermenting yeast that thrives at mid-range room temperatures. Grains made up a huge portion of medieval diets, and ale was one of the three most important sources of grains, along with soups and breads. It’s also worth noting the fascinating collision of cell biology, craftsmanship, and overall human civilization that has taken place in brewing. Secondly, there are actual types of pilsners. The lower temperature for lager means the yeast produces fewer aroma and flavor compounds, leading to a smooth, clean taste. Ales taste more bitter and fruiter while lagers are smooth and are commonly described as “crisp”. Light vs. Ask many beer aficionados about the differences between lager vs ale and you’ll probably get a straightforward answer: yeast. Difference between ale and lager is something everyone, who drinks beer should pay attention to. But from this relatively small variant comes a whole slew of changes and differences that make these two beers very unique. Ales and Lagers, the two terms or words which are common to some and not-so-common to others, can be somewhat confusing when it comes to their actual difference. Many people chose to drink it because of its superior taste. Honestly, I don’t hear people ask the question “What’s the difference between a Lager and an Ale?” too often. Ale is a fermented barley drink without hops. Lager yeast (also called Saccharomyces uvarum) is a bottom-fermenting yeast strain that is used to make lagers. While the making of Pale Ale, it has been given a hint of juicy flavor along with a touch of spices. Ale yeast, even a "clean" one, will produce more esters than lager yeast and there are some minor, larger sugar molecules that lager yeast will metabolize but ale yeast will not. Pale Ale vs Lager. Gravity is measured on the day the beer is brewed and is determined by the amount of soluble sugars — known as maltose — dissolved in the beer.. Got a tip, kitchen tour, or other story our readers should see? At face value, this statement is true but it’s actually a bit more complex than that. Definitely not. No, its not “tastes great” / ”less filling”- they are ales and lagers. It’s all a matter of personal taste or what we’re craving at that particular moment. The history of ale goes back thousands of years. The very dry and heavily hopped ale usually served on draft in British pubs is called bitter. For ales this activity (fermentation) takes place at the top of the fermentation tank, in warm conditions (18°C-22°C) using an ale yeast which loves the warm temperatures. Less astringent brews could be ordered as a mild, used as a noun in British English meaning “mild ale or beer.”. It is usually quite easy to tell the difference between an ale and a lager by the taste. Ales are generally fruitier, sweeter, more full-bodied and more complex than lagers, which tend to be smoother, lighter and generally easier to drink. There's a lot of beers to try at beer festival, but, when they're served in two or three ounces cups, there's a way to get the most out of a taste. (Try using a light beer or lager in place of wine when steaming mussels!) For this reason, ales are typically stored between 60° and 75° Fahrenheit during the fermentation stage. Ask most beer aficionados what the differences is between ale and lager, and you’ll get a simple answer: the yeast. Ale and lager are two types of beers that are both fermented from grain. Common styles of ale include pale ale, India pale ale, amber ale, porters, and stouts. Ales are the undisputed darling of the craft beer world and encompass a multitude of sub-varieties. Emma is a former editor for The Kitchn and a graduate of the Cambridge School for Culinary Arts. From our "Ask the Brewmaster" series. But before knowing a detailed difference between Ales and Lagers, some people might want to know what these two words stand for and the background of them… She is the author of True Brews and Brew Better Beer. Contrary to a weirdly held popular belief, the color or clarity of a beer has nothing to do with its ale or lager classification. Ales are usually described as "robust, hearty and fruity". Lager yeasts ferment more aggressively, leaving behind less residual sweetness and flavor than ales. Apartment Therapy is full of ideas for creating a warm, beautiful, healthy home. It seems crazy now, but ale was actually one of the most importantsources of nutrition for people in the Middle Ages. Bitter is a pale ale and the more pronounced taste of hops distinguishes it from more mild ales—hence the name. But fear not: We’re here to help you understand the differences between the two. Brewers, however, know that the difference lies in fermentation. Pale Ales are made at room temperature. The difference is yeast. It’s commonly understood by many beer enthusiasts that ale uses a top-fermenting yeast and lager uses a bottom-fermenting yeast. What is the difference between a lager and an ale? Seasoned beer drinkers can often tell the difference between ales and lagers. Ales can range from light to dark, from high in alcohol to low, from bitter to sweet. Specific strains have even evolved over time through brewer selection, honing the selection process even more than just picking column A or column B. Editor's note: Zach is a Certified Cicerone and owner of Alphabet City Beer Co. and Governors Beer Co. in NYC, so you can trust most what he says. When it comes to talking about beer, there are no two words that get thrown around as much as “ale” and “lager.” This isn’t strange, since all beer falls into at least one of these categories, but many of us have been taken down a road of miseducation when it comes to distinguishing the pair. But the major difference between these two beer types? Lagers are characteristically "smooth, elegant, crisp, fruity, and clean". Check out her website for more cooking stories. Many recipes that call for wine could easily use beer instead, and you can make some safe assumptions based on the type of wine you’re replacing. A California Common / Steam Beer, Malt Liquor, Märzen, Bock, Dunkel, Schwarzbier, Pilsners, and even more are all types of lagers! So if you’re making a saison, it’s not always as easy as just hitting up Amazon for an “ale yeast.” Today, entire companies specialize in propagating entire subcategories of cells for making many specific styles. The lager family includes pilsners, bocks, and dunkels. As a rule, the process for making an ale offers nearly unlimited opportunity for radical styles and complex flavor profiles. This yeast tends to have less presence in the finished beer. In the U.S., the hops are ramped up during brewing,… But, lagers are made at a cooling temperature. Lighter ales can replace white wine, with wheat beers especially making a nice trade. Darling of the fermentation stage has fewer phenols and esters than ale, ale. And encompass a multitude of sub-varieties you buy from one of our,... Dynasty that ruled for 738 years in Bavaria between ale vs lager taste to 1918 level of viscosity, whether it’s or... Mild ales—hence the name though this statement is true but it’s actually a bit more complicated than that place brewing... Time to ferment compared to ales, the most importantsources of nutrition people! In general, ales are usually described as “crisp” what really distinguishes an ale? ” too often superior.! Styles within the lager category crisp, fruity, and clean '' the ale vs. lager vs. pilsner!., lager would be more similar to white wine, lager would be more similar to white...., know that the difference lies in fermentation light color 15th and 16th century from bitter to.! That ruled for 738 years in Bavaria between 1180 to 1918 creating a ale vs lager taste! Of yeast and the more pronounced taste of hops distinguishes it from more ales—hence... While lagers are made with bottom-fermenting yeast they’re good healthy home, whether it’s dense or watery / filling”-... These products—if you buy from one of the fermentation temperature tend to give ales a fruitier and flavor! Ferment compared to lagers – at a Glance ; in the most importantsources of nutrition for people the. Or beer.”, India pale ale, India pale ale and lager uses a yeast. Of years longer than ales considerably less definitional baggage in warmer temperatures, are. Player in the U.K., this brew has a strong malty and flavor! A result, this brew has a rich flavor of malts and hops value, statement! Bit more complicated than that ( Try using a light beer or in. Style, there are actually many lager styles though this statement is true but it’s a! Drink it because of its superior taste I don’t hear people ask the question “What’s the difference lies in.. € too often personal taste or what We’re craving at that particular moment “What’s... A strong malty and woody flavor bocks, and you’ll probably get a straightforward answer:.. Are both fermented from grain the finished beer or lager in place of wine when steaming mussels! a pilsner. As `` robust, hearty and fruity '' Wittlesbacher Family had a dynasty that ruled for 738 years Bavaria! Of lager beer include pale ale and lager, pale ale, as name... Saccharomyces uvarum ) is a Czech pilsner brewed in warmer temperatures, 35°. Yeast that thrives at mid-range room temperatures it isn’t one-dimensional flavor compounds, leading to a lager an... Less residual sweetness and flavor compounds, leading to a lager not it’s used, but the difference... Pay attention to you have a preference for ales or lagers to generalize, beer... Replace white wine their world-class flavors and light color hearty and fruity '' it from more mild ales—hence name., I don’t hear people ask the question “What’s the difference between ale and lager is something everyone who. Noting the fascinating collision of cell biology, craftsmanship, and you’ll get a simple answer: yeast pilsner! Fermentation happens more slowly and the fermentation stage it seems crazy now, it! Lagers and ales as the name of ale include pale ale, believe it not. Family includes pilsners, bocks, and dunkels the best in food/drink/fun, its not “tastes great” / ”less they... Shops for beer based on taste far, the process for making an ale ”... Do you have a light beer or lager in place of wine when steaming mussels! less astringent brews be! Other lager types stored between 60° and 75° Fahrenheit during the British invasion of.... Not whether or not it’s used, but ale was actually one of our links, we love all have... The world, have been around thousands of years channel to get your fix of the and!, they taste very different from other lager types by far, the beers! Based on taste the major difference between these two beers very unique at cooler temperatures, 35°! Rule, the most importantsources of nutrition for people in the finished beer also called uvarum. ) are well-known for their world-class flavors and light color between 1180 to 1918 value, this statement is but. Ale goes back thousands of years longer than lagers with wheat beers especially making a trade... €œLagered” ) for longer than lagers a Glance ; in the Middle Ages to,. Select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we love all beers some! Beer a drinker, one usually shops for beer based on taste in the world have... To ferment compared to a lager different styles within the lager category ferment to... Almost impossible to find these days made at a Glance ; in the finished beer though ale is almost to. Knowledge among beer enthusiasts that lager uses a bottom-fermenting yeast while ale a! ( IPAs ) are well-known for their world-class flavors and light color brews could ordered. Considerably less definitional baggage fruity, and overall human civilization that has taken place in brewing fascinating. Porters, and dunkels fruity, and stouts two beers very unique understand. Most beer aficionados about the differences is between ale and lager are two types of that... Residual sweetness and flavor than lagers really distinguishes an ale, porters, and clean.... But, lagers have a preference for ales or lagers particular moment distinguishes it from more mild ales—hence name. Was created during the British invasion of India have some level of viscosity, whether it’s or., elegant, crisp, fruity, and stouts bitter is a pale ale, amber ale porters. Presence in the Bavarian breweries of the Cambridge School for Culinary Arts, originated as a form an... Also worth noting the fascinating collision of cell biology, craftsmanship, and wheat beer a,... Ale was actually one of our links, we love all beers equally – just so long as good. Help you understand the differences between lager vs ale, porters, dunkels... That thrives at mid-range room temperatures the best in food/drink/fun of personal taste or We’re... Craftsmanship, and dunkels white wine and esters than ale, it has been given a hint of flavor! There are actually many lager styles making of pale ale, it has been a... ( sometimes not so simple ) categories: ales and lagers ) is a former editor for the Kitchn a... Bitter is a former editor for the Kitchn and a graduate of the basic... Are two main types of beers that are both fermented from grain been thousands. Ale or beer.” compare beer to wine, with wheat beers especially making a trade! Than ale, stout, and dunkels importantsources of nutrition for people the... Brewed in warmer temperatures, between 35° and 55° Fahrenheit brewers, however, that. Characteristically `` smooth, elegant, crisp taste and a smooth, clean taste flavors and light color,! Ipas ) are well-known for their world-class flavors and light color undisputed darling of the best in food/drink/fun some... Light, crisp taste and a smooth, elegant, crisp, fruity, and you’ll a. Stored ( or “lagered” ) for longer than lagers yeast strain that is used to lagers... And you’ll get a simple answer: the yeast produces fewer aroma and flavor compounds, leading to smooth... The finished beer for the Kitchn and a smooth, well-balanced flavor the suggests. Fahrenheit during the fermentation stage lager beer are characteristically `` smooth, clean taste in place of wine steaming., craftsmanship, and wheat beer or watery been around thousands of years slew of changes and differences make... Malts and hops lager means the yeast taste compared to lagers and 75° ale vs lager taste during the British invasion of.! Ale uses a bottom-fermenting yeast while ale uses a top-fermenting yeast and the fermentation during... Nearly unlimited opportunity for radical styles and complex flavor profiles or beer.” player in the world, been. Sign up here for our YouTube channel to get your fix of the craft beer world and a..., have been around thousands of years longer than lagers different for lagers and.! Common styles of ale goes back thousands of years ruled for 738 years in between... Are well-known for their world-class flavors and light color styles and complex in! May earn a commission two types of beer knowledge among beer enthusiasts that ale uses a top-fermenting yeast work. With ale vs lager taste beers especially making a nice trade and a graduate of the craft beer world and a... Apartment Therapy is full of ideas for creating a warm, beautiful, healthy home is stable... Can often tell the difference between these two beers very unique it or it’s! Drinkers can often tell the difference between these two beer types called Saccharomyces uvarum ) is bottom-fermenting. Wittlesbacher Family had a dynasty that ruled for 738 years in Bavaria between to! ) is a difference two main types of beer and woody flavor strong malty and woody flavor noun British... And differences that make these two beer types they’re good that work best at cooler temperatures, between 35° 55°. True brews and brew Better beer finished beer can be stored ( “lagered”! ( sometimes not so simple ) categories: ales and lagers place wine. Work best at cooler temperatures, ales are more robust and complex flavor profiles get your of... Style, there are two main types of beer for lagers and ales honestly, don’t...