There are many different beer styles, but the two most popular are Ale and Lager. So, what’s the Difference? Pale ale is brewed with a mix of malted barley and several different hops. Lager, however, is made with a type of yeast that ferments at a lower temperature. This gives the lager a smoother flavor than a pale ale.
What is Lager?
Lager is the typical entry point into beer for new drinkers. Made with bottom fermenting yeast that has a lower tolerance to alcohol, lagers can taste light and a little malty. The word “lager” comes from the German word lagern, which means “to store.” This is because lagers were initially stored in caves to ferment. Lagers are fermented at a colder temperature than ales, giving them their crisp flavor.
What is Pale Ale?
Pale ale is a beer that was first produced in England in the early 1800s. Pale ales are light in color and have a slightly sweeter taste than lagers. Pale ales are brewed with top-fermenting yeast, which ferments at a higher temperature than lager yeast. This gives pale ales a fruitier flavor and a slightly higher alcohol content.
Pale Ale vs. Lager Beers
The type of yeast used and the temperatures at which they are produced distinguish ales from lagers. Ales are produced using yeasts that favor a warm fermentation environment and float near the top of the tank. Different yeasts are used to make lagers; these yeasts tend to prefer cooler temperatures and settle at the bottom of the fermentation tank.
Brewing Methods
However, the brewing process of ale is much faster than lager, so there may be more bitterness in the finished beer. So, despite having more hops, ales don’t have as much hoppy flavor as lagers. From the given factors above, ale has a clear advantage, but lager came close. Ales are typically darker, more complex, and easier to drink. Lagers can be matured in cold storage for more extended and tend to be lighter and crisper.
Ales are brewed with what is known as top-fermenting yeast. This ale yeast is the same strain that has been used over centuries around the world to make bread and various wines, called Saccharomyces cerevisiae, while a lager beer is brewed with Saccharomyces pastorianus yeast.
A lager ferments at a temperature of 7 to 13 °C (45 to 55 °F), while an ale ferments at a temperature of about 20 to 22 °C (68 to 72 °F).
Flavor Profiles
Due to their different brewing methods, ales and lagers also have different flavor profiles. Ales are typically fuller-bodied and have fruitier, maltier flavors. In contrast, lagers tend to be lighter-bodied with slightly more bitterness. They also generally have a higher carbonation level than ales. In the current craft beer market ales are typically more common among craft brewers because ale yeast can produce beer in as little as seven days, making it more convenient for small breweries that may not have the fermenter space to create lagers regularly. Ales tend to be: Darker and cloudier in color, Robust in flavor and smell. Hop and malt notes are more prominent, Often contain bitter tones, and are stronger in alcohol content.
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Common Types of Ale
- Brown Ale
- American Pale Ale
- India Pale Ales (IPA)
- Stout
- Wheat Beers
- Amber Ales
- Sour Beers
Common Types of Lager
- India Pale lager
- Pilsner
- Dark lagers
- Bocks
Conclusion
So, there you have it—the Difference between ale and lager. Now that you know more about these two types of beer, you can decide which one is right for you. Whether you prefer ales or lagers, there’s sure to be a beer out there that you’ll love. The next time you’re picking up a six-pack, don’t be afraid to try something new! Cheers!