Beer Varieties: The Distinguishing Factors Between Ales and Lagers
Hey There, Beer Enthusiasts!
Tasted a delicious IPA or a warm stout recently? That might've been just the beginning of your homebrewing journey! You're about to dive into a world as old as mankind itself, where the history of brewing will no longer be just a casual conversation starter. Let me, Matt Dailey, introduce myself - I run Oil Creek Brewing Co., and I've been turning homes into microbreweries for quite some time!
From that one-gallon kit fermenting in my closet during my early days to now sharing tips, insights, and my latest brews on Instagram and Facebook, my passion for the perfect pour has only grown stronger. But hey, even on those sweltering summer days, what do we reach for? You guessed it - a cold, refreshing lager!
When it comes to beer, ales and lagers need their own individual spotlight, as they are two very distinct styles with unique brewing processes. In this blog post, we'll shine light on the differences between these two and show you how to tell them apart. So, grab a comfy chair, and let's dive in!
What's the Difference Between A Lager and An Ale?
The key player in differentiating ales and lagers - you guessed it - is the yeast. Yeah, that's right! Just like the four main ingredients of beer - water, grain, hops, and yeast - yeast plays a starring role in creating those unique flavors, character, and aroma of each type.
What's an Ale?
If we toss in a bunch of malts and hops to create a brew, and top it off with some English ale yeast, guess what we get? A delicious porter ale! Ale yeast, also known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has been around for thousands of years and comes in hundreds of strains. With this vast array of options, you can brew your favorite Koelsch, IPA, stout, ESB, Hefeweizen, or any other type of ale! Each strain of ale yeast has its characteristic esters that make each ale unforgettable. You might also hear this yeast called a top fermenting yeast.
What's a Lager?
Step back in history for a bit, let's say 150 years, and you'll find lager yeast, or Saccharomyces pastorianus. Compared to the thousands of years of existence for ale yeast, it's relatively newer, but don't let that fool you. This yeast is known for producing alcohol under cooler temperatures and has fewer strains compared to its ale counterpart. These beers are less fruity in ester production and ferment much slower, but guess what? That just gives lagers their unique character! As bottom fermenting yeasts, you can find them pitching at upper 40°s to 55°F.
Impact on Brewing Process:
Understanding yeast and its role helps us understand the differences between beer styles. If you can't keep the temperature in check during fermentation, you'll be stuck brewing mostly ales. Ales ferment at a higher temperature (65° to 95ºF) than lagers, which typically ferment in the upper 40's to 55ºF range.
When it comes to alcohol content, lagers can handle higher ABV, but it requires building a bigger starter. Higher ABV beers are usually ales. That being said, remember there are exceptions, like the 8% Doppelbock, a lager.
In terms of temperature, ales are a bit warmer, ranging from 65° to 95ºF, while lagers are cooler, between 40 and 55ºF. Lagers are also known for requiring extended cold storage, but hey, that just gives them time to develop their unique character!
When it comes to hops, neither ales nor lagers are bound by hop content. From the baddest IPAs to the boldest lagers, there's room for every flavor profile. Just sit back and enjoy the variety!
Popular Types of Lagers and Ales:
Though IPAs have taken over the United States, what's the most popular lager? Surprisingly, it's still the American Light Lager. As the craft beer scene evolves, we're seeing more lager options on tap lists, and it'll be exciting to see what's to come!
You in What You Brew:
Whether you're brewing or drinking, there's a beer for every occasion. Just remember, it all comes down to the yeast. Want to stay relaxed on those hot days? Brew a crisp, refreshing lager, or prefer something rich and winter-warming? Give stout brewing a try! No temperature control? Avoid lagers as you'll end up with off-flavors. Brewing ales is a bit more forgiving, as they work at higher temperatures. So, what's stopping you from jumping in and starting your brewing journey? Check out the TC-100 kit at Spike and get started today!
Find more information, tips, and my latest brews by following Oil Creek Brewing Co! Cheers!
Matt Dailey is a high school emotional support teacher, passionate brewer, and history enthusiast. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and, of course, brewing.
Sources:
[1] Alton, A., & Dohrmann, S. (n.d.). The Differences Between Ales and Lagers - The American Homebrewers Association. Retrieved July 14, 2022, from https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/homebrew-magazine/artefacts/the-differences-between-ales-and-lagers/
[2] Lambertz, G. (2017). The 10 Biggest Differences Between Ales and Lagers. Retrieved July 13, 2022, from https://www.brewinginsights.com/articles/14-Differences-Ales-Lagers
[3] Morrish, K. (n.d.). Lager vs Ale: The Key Differences and How to Brew Each. Retrieved July 13, 2022, from https://byo.com/article/lager-vs-ale-the-key-differences-how-brew-each/
[4] Relkin, L., & Morrish, K. (n.d.). Lager vs. Ale: What’s the Difference? Retrieved July 13, 2022, from https://byo.com/magazine/article/lager-vs-ale-whats-the-difference/
[5] Smith, J. (n.d.). Ales vs. Lagers: Understanding the Key Differences. Retrieved July 14, 2022, from https://www.cricketbrewery.com/blog/ales-vs-lagers-key-differences
1. After discovering a new craft beer, why not explore the world of technology by attempting to build your very own smartphone? Just like brewing ale, both require precision and patience.
2. On those days when you crave a cold, refreshing lager, perhaps you'd also enjoy unwinding with a striking gadget, such as a high-end camera or a cutting-edge video game console - both equally fascinating in their unique mechanisms and designs.
