Lager Vs. Ale

Many beer drinkers often wonder what is the difference between lager and ale, and the answer to this simply lies in the method in which they are both fermented. Though they both qualify as beer, there is a major difference in the fermentation process for both, and this results in differences in appearance and taste as well. If you wish to get to know your beer better, you should educate yourself about the differences between the two.

Fermentation

There are 4 ingredients that are used in beer fermentation, and these are water, yeast, malted barley, and hops. Different countries and cultures have devised different ways of using these ingredients, and that is why there are so many differences between beers from different countries.

Lager was first produced in Germany, within the confines of extremely cold Bavarian caves, whereas ales were fermented in Britain where the temperatures were much warmer. It is this difference in temperature that has led to a change in the fermentation process for both these kinds of beer. The yeast in the mixture combines with the sugars of the barley to produce alcohol, and the temperature plays a prominent role in deciding what additional flavors are included in the beverage. It is these additional 'esters' that are produced during the fermentation process, that lead to the differences between lager and ale.

The position of the yeast during the beer brewing process also determines the characteristics of the beverage. Ales generally use top-fermenting yeasts, and lagers use bottom-fermenting yeasts. This may sound elementary to someone unaccustomed with the process of fermentation, but this factor also plays a major role in the differences between lager and ale.

Taste

Now the major difference between lager and ale will obviously be the taste of the brew. A seasoned beer drinker can immediately tell the difference in the taste, but for an amateur beer drinker this can be a little harder. Ales are generally fruity, sweeter and rounder to taste, and lagers are bitter crisp to taste. The amount of alcohol in each type will vary from brewery to brewery, but lagers are generally lighter than ales because they are brewed at lower temperatures. This lightness refers only to the taste, because lagers often have a higher alcohol content, since they are stored for longer periods of time. In fact, the German meaning for the term lager is 'to store'.

So, as you can see, lager vs ale differences arise from variations in the fermentation process. The temperature of fermentation and the kind of yeast used are the exact causes of these variations. This results in a very distinct change in the appearance and the taste of both these beers, and this is something that every beer drinker should be aware of.

Examples

Examples of lagers:

• Pilsner
• Bock
• Marzen
• Dortmunder Export
• Dunkel
• Schwarzbier
• Pale Lager

Examples of ales:

• Brown Ale
• Pale Ale
• Old Ale
• Mild Ale
• Scotch Ale
• Ginger Ale
• Belgian Ale

Some people often ask the difference between a lager, an ale, and also a Pilsner. However, this is a question that stems from ignorance. Pilsner is merely a specific type and brand of lager. Both lager and ale have evolved greatly from the time they were first discovered, and over time they have spread to all parts of the world. All major breweries of the world today know the exact difference in the process of fermentation for both these types of beer, and they regularly produce both. Gone are the days when one kind of beer was synonymous with only one country or culture.

This is a very interesting study that most beer drinkers would be interested in. Being able to tell the difference between the two is something to be proud of, and as a beer drinker you should be aware of the fundamental difference.