In the diverse realm of fermented beverages, "beer" serves as a comprehensive term that encompasses various styles such as ales, stouts, porters, and notably, lagers. Notably, all lagers are beers, but not all beers are lagers. This distinction is primarily based on the brewing process and the type of yeast utilised.
What is Lager? Lager is a type of beer that is conditioned at low temperatures, typically between 7 to 13 degrees Celsius. It is distinguished by its use of Saccharomyces pastorianus, a yeast that ferments at these cooler temperatures and settles at the bottom of the fermentation vessel. This "bottom-fermenting" yeast, coupled with a prolonged period of cold storage known as "lagering," imparts to lagers their characteristic clean, crisp flavour and smooth, well-rounded body.
Components of Lager The essential components of a lager include water, malted barley, yeast, and hops. The critical element, however, is the yeast—Saccharomyces pastorianus, which plays a pivotal role in defining the lager's distinct taste profile.
Lager Styles Lagers are not confined to a single style but cover a broad spectrum including:
Pilsner: Originating from Plzeň, Czech Republic, this style is celebrated for its light, golden hue and robust hop flavour. The Pilsner Urquell is the original brew of this type, showcasing exceptional quality. German Pilsners like Beck's offer a more pronounced hop bitterness while maintaining the style’s light colour and clarity.
Märzen: Brewed in March and traditionally served at Munich Oktoberfest, these are rich, amber lagers with a malty sweetness and a dry finish.
Dunkel: Meaning 'dark' in German, these lagers offer a smooth, malty taste with notes of chocolate and caramel.
Helles: A 'light' or 'bright' lager in terms of colour, offering a malty yet balanced flavour with a delicate hop bitterness.
Bock: Strong lagers varying from pale (Maibock) to dark brown (Traditional Bock), known for their pronounced malty sweetness and higher alcohol content.
Vienna Lager: Known for a toasty malt aroma and a clean, crisp finish, these range in colour from amber to reddish-brown.
Kölsch: Although technically an ale due to its yeast type, Kölsch is brewed similarly to lagers and is conditioned at cold temperatures, offering a light, refreshing taste that bridges the characteristics of ale and lager.
Common Lager Beers T
he Pilsner style is arguably the most widespread lager, leading to popular variations like Heineken and the classic Pilsner Urquell. Other widely recognised lagers include Budweiser, known for its classic American-style flavour, and Corona, a Mexican pale lager often enjoyed with a slice of lime.
In summary, the lager category within the craft beer spectrum, particularly in regions like Ireland where craft beers are delivered widely, showcases an array of styles from the crisp and hoppy Pilsner to the rich and malty Dunkel. Each style offers unique flavours and aromas, catering to a diverse range of palates and preferences in the world of craft beers.