Types of "Beer" - Lager

Lager

The word Lager actually is German for storage. However, in the world of the brewing industry, a lager is a type of beer that is fermented with slow acting yeast that continues it fermentation duties and conditions the lager while being stored at low temperatures. Some brewed lagers in certain countries also have different adjuncts added to the fermentation process to some times "thin out" the body of the beer, to add balance to the proteins that are introduced from the strains of yeast used, or to raise the alcohol content of the lager. In medieval times, the beverage was cold stored, or "lagered", in the colder months. In fact, in some parts of Europe, brewing lager in the warmer months of spring and summer were actually banned because the extra heat would have undesired effects which would lead to the production of an inadequate tasting lager that would not sit well on the taste buds.

During the late 1800's, the rise in lager production steadily outgrew the production of ale. With the invention of refrigeration systems, this made it possible to brew and store lagers at colder temperatures year round until it was ready to be served cold.

Lagers are generally separated in to two main categories: Pale Lagers and Dark Lagers.

Pale Lagers consist of styles such as Pilsners, Bocks, and Marzens. The characteristics of each style of pale lagers are different. The process of brewing pale lagers started in the 19th century, when the technique of brewing pale ales was applied to the traditional lager brewing process.

Cream Lager - Sometimes referred to as a "Cream Ale" (because it is top-fermented) this is a slight variant on a pale lager. They are brewed to be light and are generally a pale golden hue. Cream Lagers are cold-conditioned for longer periods of time to reduce the fruity esters and give the brew a "cleaner" flavor. Sometimes an adjunct such as rice is added to lighten the body even more.

Pilsner - Pilsners are pale lagers that are a very light-bodied, blond-golden hued color with very, very slight hoppy bitterness.

Bock - A bock is a style of pale lager that is generally light copper to brown in color. With an aroma of toasty malt notes on the nose, this medium bodied beer contains a rich toasty flavor sometimes with subtle hints of caramel. It is stronger [in alcohol content] but generally very close in the "slight - to - none" bitterness of its pilsner cousin. Bocks can also be divided in to subcategories such as Dopplebocks, Maibocks, and Eisbocks. The different characteristics in the sub-styles have to do with differences in the brewing and fermentation process.

Marzen - Marzens are lagers that tend to be medium to full bodied but can be light golden to dark brown in color. A malty aroma and flavor are normally present, but they tend to be a bit more bitter then pilsners or bocks. This type of beer is very popular in the autumn, especially around Oktoberfest.

Dark Lagers are the varietal that started the "lager" brewing process. These styles were medium to full bodied, amber to dark brown in color, and carried with them aromas of toast and a sweet maltiness. Dunkels and Schwarzbiers are styles of dark lagers. 

Dunkel - Dunkel, being German for dark, as you can imagine is a very dark, full bodied lager. With a malty flavor and medium alcohol content (generally around 5% by volume), Dunkels are extremely popular through most of Europe. Dunkels get their distinct malt flavor from a process called decoction mashing. During the brewing procedure, a portion of the grains will be returned to the mash which raises the temperature. This boiling extracts more starch from the grains and creates a richer flavor of malt. Dunkels can also be divided in to sub-styles.

Schwarzbiers - These "black beers" are full bodied and carry slight hints of chocolate and coffee in the nose and taste. The dark color comes from the malts which are roasted heavily to a very dark hue. This style of beer is a great accompaniment to pretzels, sauerkraut, and bratwursts. This combination is a must for all of our relative Germans out there. Once again, this type of beer can also be brewed in to different sub-styles.

Thanks and CHEERS!!!! - Charles