For the Love of Lager

A lager is one of the most common types of beer in the world. The bottom-fermented techniques used to brew this popular beer choice result in a crisp and refreshing beverage. At Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, we have a variety of lagers for customers to choose from. Here, we discuss what a lager is and what makes it so popular.

Different Styles of Lager

Because lager is a brewing technique, it includes a variety of styles of beer for consumers to choose from. From malty to sweet and pale to dark, lagers are diverse and ensure there’s a brew for almost every beer lover to enjoy. Different lager styles include:

• Pilsner: This type of pale lager is noted for its refreshing crispness, low-range alcohol content, and delicate bitterness.
• American lager: This beverage balances a complex profile of light, bread-like malts, subtle yeast fruitiness, and low bitterness.
• Red lager: This is a variation on the Vienna-style lagers, but it's drier and less hop-centered. 
• American light lager: This beverage is a lighter version of the premium American lager, balancing light malt bread-like flavors with subtle, yeast fruitiness. 
• European pale lager: This German-inspired beer can come in different forms and offers a crisp, balanced taste.
• German Helles: This lager is similar to a pilsner but with more of an emphasis on soft malt flavor.

Differences between Lager and Ale

The primary definition of a lager is that it is a bottom-fermented beer. The yeasts used to ferment the beer flocculate (gather) at the bottom of the fermentation tank. Ales are just the opposite — they're made with top-fermenting yeasts.

Lager yeasts can also tolerate much lower temperatures than yeasts used for ales. Typically between 45° and 55° Fahrenheit, these lower temperatures reduce the number of by-products during the fermentation stage and produce a cleaner, crisper beverage.

What Pairs Well with Lagers?

Lagers are generally an excellent choice to pair with food. They go particularly well with classic pub favorites, such as burgers, fries, and pizza. Pilsner and other pale lagers are perfect for light foods, including salads, herb chicken, and pasta dishes. Certain lagers can even pair nicely with spicy foods. American lagers, for example, are famous for accompanying barbecue classics.

How to Properly Serve Lager

In most cases, it is recommended to serve lagers cold. There are some instances where serving a lager at room temperature is the preferred method. It's common to serve dark lagers and mass-brewed beers in a mug or pint glass, and pilsners in a pilsner glass. With all lagers, be sure to tilt the glass to a 45° angle and slowly fill it to produce the best-tasting pour.

Browse the Selection of Lagers at Joe Canal’s

Now you know what a lager is, it's time to try some of your own and find a new favorite. The characteristics of a lager include a light, crisp taste that is mellow and smooth, making it a very popular choice. A variety of great-tasting lagers and more can be found at Joe Canal’s. To find out about our specials or the types of lagers available at our store in Lawrenceville, NJ, get in touch with us today.