In any pub or restaurant you’re likely to be faced with a wide range of beers. From pilsners and IPAs to brown ales and stouts, the choice can seem a little overwhelming if you don’t know your lagers from your ales. With that in mind, here is an outline of the key differences between the two, so you can approach the drinks menu with confidence.
Yeast
Whether you’re drinking a lager or an ale, both fall into the general category of ‘beer’. One of the main things that separates lager from ale is the yeast used. Lagers use yeast called Saccharomyces uvarum, which settles at the bottom of the tank during the fermentation process. It’s fragile and only thrives in specific conditions, leaving more sugar in the brew to create a crisp, clean, sweeter taste with subtler hop or malty notes.
Ale, on the other hand, uses top-fermenting yeast called Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This is often used in bread and wine, and floats to the top of the liquid during the fermentation process before sinking to the bottom. It produces a more fruity, floral, spicy and malty character.
Temperature
A second difference between lager and ale is that they are fermented at different temperatures. Lager is fermented at cool temperatures – typically between 7-13°C – while ales ferment best at temperatures of 16 – 24°C. Some even require temperatures of up to 38°C.
Time
The final key difference is that lagers usually take longer to brew than ales. They undergo a process called ‘cold conditioning’, where they are cold stored after fermentation for four to ten weeks to give the yeast, hops and proteins time to settle. Ale, on the other hand, does not need this and can be ready to drink in three to five weeks.
Types of lager
So when it comes to choosing a lager from the menu in one of the best restaurants for lunch, how do you know what you’ll like? Here’s a brief guide.
Pilsner
One of the most popular styles of lager, pilsner is pale in colour and crisp in flavour, with hoppy rather than malty notes.
Helles
A traditional German pale lager, this is full-bodied, brightly coloured and sweet with a low bitter note.
Bock
Typically light copper to brown in colour, Bock has a higher alcohol content (6%-8% ABV) and has a malty character with rich, toasty flavours.
Types of ale
Searching ‘best restaurants near me for dinner’and faced with a comprehensive ale menu? We’re here to help you choose.
Pale ale
Full flavoured yet light, pale ale is a great starting point if you’re branching out from lager. It’s often fruity with hoppy notes.
Amber ale
Richer than pale ale, amber ale is amber to deep red in colour and has a more complex flavour, often with caramel and floral notes.
Brown ale
Brown ale is dark amber to brown in colour and has malty, nutty and toasty flavours, often with hints of chocolate or toffee.
India Pale Ales (IPAs)
Another ideal choice for those new to ale, IPA typically has tropical fruit and citrus notes, sometimes with underlying toffee flavours.
Stout
Stouts are dark brown in colour and full-bodied with distinctive coffee notes.
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