Lagers

The most commonly consumed type of beer in the world

Lagers are of Central European origin, taking their name from the German lagern ("to store"). Lager yeast is a bottom-fermenting yeast, and typically begins fermentation at 7-12°C (45-55°F) (the "fermentation phase"), and then stored at 0-4°C (30-40°F) (the "lagering phase"). During the secondary stage, the lager clears and mellows. The cooler conditions also inhibit the natural production of esters and other byproducts, resulting in a "crisper" tasting beer.

Principal styles of lager include American-style lager, Bock, Dunkel, Helles, Oktoberfestbier / Märzen, Pilsner, Schwarzbier and Vienna lager.

American-style lager beer is a common variety of beer traditionally made and consumed in North America. It is characterized by a much lighter color and body, an alcohol content 4-6% abv, and the frequent use of rice or corn as adjuncts in the brewing process.

Bock is a type of strong lager beer with alcohol content ranges from 6.3% to 7.2% by volume. The beer has a complex malty flavor dominated by the richness of Munich and Vienna malts, which contribute toasty flavors. It has a low hop bitterness, usually enough to not overwhelm the malt flavors, allowing a slight sweetness to linger into the finish. Bock is light copper to brown in color with reddish highlights, with good clarity despite the dark color.

Dunkel beers typically range in colour from amber to dark reddish brown. They are characterized by their smooth malty flavour.

Pale lager is a very pale to golden-coloured beer with a well attenuated body and noble hop bitterness. They tend to be dry, lean, clean-tasting and crisp. Flavours may be subtle, with no traditional beer ingredient dominating the others.

Pilsner, sometimes pilsener or simply pils, is a pale lager, developed in the 19th century in the city of Pilsen, Bohemia. It is generally regarded as different from other pale lagers by a more prominent hop character.

Traditionally Oktoberfestbiers were lagers of around 5.5 to 6% abv called Märzen - brewed in March and allowed to ferment slowly during the summer months. The colour of these lagers may range from pale yellow to deep amber, with the darker colours more common in the USA.

Schwarzbier, or "black beer," is a German dark lager beer. It has an opaque, black color and a full, chocolatey or coffee flavor. Although they share some similar flavors they are quite a bit milder tasting and less bitter than British Stouts or Porters. The alcohol content usually ranges from 4.8%–5%. They get their dark color from the use of particularly dark malts in brewing.