Lager is a beer style brewed and conditioned at low temperatures, resulting in a clean and crisp taste. Lagers can range in color from pale to amber to dark. The most popular style is pale lager, which is the most widely consumed and commercially available beer worldwide.

Amber Lager

Beer being poured from tapAmber Lager is known for its medium body and caramel-like malt character. It has a richer color than pale lagers, often appearing amber or copper. With a lower alcohol content around 5% ABV, Amber Lagers offer a toasty, caramel, and toffee flavor profile.

American Lager

Also known as North American Lager, this pale lager style is brewed in the United States and has its origins in European brewing traditions brought over by German immigrants in the mid-19th century. American Lagers are light in color, with an ABV ranging from 3.2% to 4% and a mild bitterness typically between 5 and 15 IBU.

Pale Lager

Pale Lager is a beer style that features a pale to golden color, a well-attenuated body, and a balanced bitterness from noble hops. It is the most consumed beer style globally, with popular examples including Bud Light and Heineken.

Vienna Lager

This lager is darker than its American and Pale counterparts, yet still light and easy to drink. Vienna Lagers are known for their toasted malt sweetness, balanced by moderate hop bitterness. They often have subtle spicy notes that add to their harmonious flavor.

Dortmunder

Dortmunder is a Pale Lager that originated in Dortmund, Germany, in 1873. Influenced by the Pilsner style, Dortmunder offers a smooth texture and refined flavors, with notes of honey, corn, and sweet malt, and a creamy mouthfeel for an enjoyable drinking experience.

Dunkel

Dunkel, meaning “dark” in German, refers to a variety of dark German lagers. These beers range in color from amber to deep reddish-brown and are known for their smooth, malt-forward taste. Dunkels typically have an ABV of 4.8% to 5.3% and an IBU between 16 and 25.

German Pils

Friends toasting with different styles of beer glassesAlso called “pils,” this German-style pilsner is a light-bodied lager made primarily from barley malt. Known for its golden color, distinctive bitterness, and floral hop aroma, it also has excellent head retention.

Helles

Helles, which means “bright” or “light” in German, is a pale lager traditionally brewed in Southern Germany, particularly Munich. These lagers have a strong malt flavor with hints of roasted barley. They usually have an ABV between 4.8% and 5.6% and an IBU range of 18 to 25.

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest beer is the official beverage of Oktoberfest, the world’s largest folk festival held in Munich, Germany. This beer style is known for its malt-rich profile, similar to the crisp hop bitterness found in Vienna Lagers. Oktoberfest beers typically have an ABV between 5.5% and 6%.

Pilsner

Pilsner is a pale lager named after the Bohemian city of Plzeň, where the first pale lager was brewed in 1842 by the Pilsner Urquell Brewery. Pilsners generally have an ABV of 4.1% to 5.3% and an IBU range of 25 to 50.

Schwarzbier

Schwarzbier, or “black beer,” is a dark lager from Germany known for its deep black color and subtle chocolate or coffee notes. With an ABV of around 5%, Schwarzbier is similar to a stout, made from roasted malt that gives it its rich, dark appearance.

Bock

Bock is a strong, malty lager originating from Germany, often darker in color. The word “Bock” means “goat” in German, and there are several variations of this style:

  • Doppelbock: A stronger, maltier version of Bock.
  • Eisbock: A more potent style created by partially freezing the beer and removing the ice.
  • Maibock (May Bock): A lighter, hoppier version often brewed for spring, also known as Heller Bock.
  • Weizenbock: A wheat-based Bock, typically made with 40-60% wheat.

Bock beers generally have an ABV of 6.3% to 9.5% and an IBU range of 15 to 38.

In summary, lagers offer a diverse range of flavors and styles, from the light and crisp pale lagers to the rich and malty bocks. Whether you prefer the subtle bitterness of a German Pils, the caramel notes of an Amber Lager, or the robust taste of a Schwarzbier, there is a lager out there for every palate. Exploring these different varieties not only enhances your appreciation of beer but also connects you to a rich tradition of brewing that has evolved over centuries. So, raise a glass and enjoy the distinct qualities that make lagers a beloved choice worldwide.