Beer is arguably the favorite and most-liked kid of the alcohol family. From the new drinkers to the experienced pros, everyone has their beer of preference. Among beers, you must have heard the words ‘lager’ and ‘ale’ thrown around at parties. But what exactly is the difference between ale and lager? You’ll find that out right here!
What Is An Ale?
Ale is made using a warm fermentation process and uses top-fermenting yeast. What even do these terms mean? The former means the temperatures for this fermentation range from 60 to 70°F (15.5 to 21.1°C). The latter uses a type of yeast that rises to the top of the brewing vessel when fermenting. When this process is ending, the yeast then settles in the bottom of the vessel.
Do you remember your school science teacher explaining how warmer temperatures allow microorganisms to flourish? That’s why the warm fermentation process takes just over a week. To quote Walter White from Breaking Bad, “It’s just basic chemistry.”
Between ale and lager, the former is the grown kid and carries a rich history and aroma which can be tasted through its strong flavors. Higher in alcohol percentage and in variety compared to lagers, ales often have a stronger, fruity, and sweet taste. The aroma of hops is its distinctive feature.
What Is A Lager?
Lagers, on the other hand, are made using a cold fermentation process and require bottom-fermenting yeast. We know you’ve figured out the basics here, but let’s get into the specifics: The ideal temperature for cold fermentation is between 35 to 40°F (1.6 to 4.4°C). And no, the bottom-fermenting yeast doesn’t ferment at the bottom of the vessel. It’s just that it doesn’t rise to the top during the fermentation process.
The yeast used to make a lager is delicate yet cold tolerant. One of the major steps in the preparation of lagers is cold conditioning. This step involves storing the lagers in low temperatures. The yeast becomes slow and sluggish owing to the low temperature, much like how you’d be on a cold winter morning! This is why the brewing process of a lager takes longer than that of an ale.
Fun fact: The word ‘lager’ is derived from the German word for ‘storage’.
Lager is the more popular and commonly known type of beer among the new boozers. From your affordable Kingfisher to ever-loved Budweiser, they all fall under the category of lager. A lager beer generally is pale or light-colored with a low alcohol percentage.
Lager is great for new drinkers with a low capacity because of the aforementioned lower alcohol content and a taste that’s not too bitter.
Also read: How To Pour Beer Into A Glass?
The Historical Difference Between Ale And Lager
Ale has been around for a long time. In fact, it was the only known beer for years because knowledge about yeast wasn’t as widespread and the technology didn’t really allow for cold fermentation. You’ll be surprised to learn that ale used to be consumed as a source of nutrition in medieval Europe where even children used to have it with bread (They don’t call it the good ol’ days for nothing!).
On the other hand, the whole existence of lager depends on the cold fermentation method and it wouldn’t have been possible without the yeast. Lagers were introduced around the 1800s and grew insanely popular pretty quickly because of their light and malty taste.
The Taste Difference Between Ale And Lager
If you’re a geek when it comes to your beer, you could easily distinguish between a lager and an ale. If not, here is a tip: the fruity and slightly sweeter one is usually ale while the crisp drink is mostly your lager.
When it comes to variety in the taste, ale is hands-down the winner. That’s because every other experimental beer, whether a craft or a stout, falls under the category of ale. Lager is usually light in taste while ale has a stronger aroma and dominating taste.
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Some Famous Lagers
- Firestone Walker Brewing Pivo Pilsner
- Carlsberg
- Miller Lite
- Budweiser
- Yuengling
- Heineken
- Corona
- Coors
Some Famous Ales
- Goa Brewing Co
- Brew Whale Craft Beer
- Miller
- Foster
- Bira White Ale
- Raging Bull
To Conclude
A lot of effort, science, and work goes behind the making of lagers and ales and you now know them all. Now that you know the difference between a lager and an ale, you can be the smarter person in the room. It’s big brain time!
FAQs On The Difference Between Ale And Lager
Is Ale Stronger Than Lager?
Yes! As ales are made at higher temperatures and thanks to the kind of yeast added, they have a higher alcohol content compared to lagers.
Is Drinking Ale Better Than Lager?
Ales are often more complex in flavor than lagers, with a greater variety of aromas and tastes. Some beer drinkers prefer the fuller flavor of ales while others find them too heavy or “muddy.” Lagers tend to be cleaner and crisper, with a subtlety that some ale-lovers find unappealing. But at the end of the day, it’s all about personal preference. So try out a few different styles and see what you like best!
Is Guinness A Lager?
No, Guinness is a stout, which is a type of ale. Stouts are dark, creamy, and full-bodied, with a slightly sweet flavor. Guinness is also nitrogenated, meaning that it is pressurized with nitrogen gas instead of carbon dioxide. This gives it a unique creamy texture.
What Type Of Beer Is Corona?
Corona is a pale lager, which is a light-bodied beer with a mild flavor. It is typically straw-colored or golden in color. Corona is brewed in Mexico and is one of the most popular Mexican beers.
What Is The Difference Between Ale, IPA, And Lager?
Ale is a type of beer that is brewed using top-fermenting yeast. This means that the yeast rises to the top of the fermentation tank during brewing. Ales are typically full-bodied and flavorful.
IPAs (India Pale Ales) are a type of ale that is known for its hoppy, bitter flavor.
Lagers are a type of beer that is brewed using bottom-fermenting yeast. This means that the yeast settles to the bottom of the fermentation tank during brewing. Lagers are typically light and crisp.
