Do you know the difference between ales and lagers?
What are the differences between the two?
The primary difference between Ales and Lagers lies in the yeast. During fermentation, lager yeast sits on the bottom of the tank. They are most active between 45° F to 55° F and can take as little as 3 weeks to longer than 6 months to become beer. Ale yeasts, on the other hand, like warmer temperatures of 68°F -72°F. Ales can typically handle more stress during fermentation, and can have a much quicker turnaround time. Simple home brew ales can be finished within 2 weeks!
Where do you notice these differences in the finished product?
Next time you drink a beer, whether it's an ale or a lager, take note of the flavors you taste and the mouthfeel. Ales are prized for their esters, or fruitiness, that are typically not found in lagers. Esters can include apple, pear, pineapple, grass, hay, plum, and prunes, but can vary widely. Lagers tend to be smooth, clean, and free of esters, but may have fleeting yeast-derived sulfur notes. As a result, any hops that are used in lagers will be more prominent.
Who uses what yeasts?
Lager styles range from Pilsners, Marzen, Bocks, California Commons, Rauchbiers, and American Lagers.
Ale styles include but are not limited to IPA's, Pale Ales, Porters, Stouts, Altbiers, Kolsch, sours, Saisons, Lambics and Wheat Beers.
When is the perfect time to drink them?
Whenever you like! Beer has a magical way of being right for almost any occasion. For warm sunny days I always like to go for a Helles (lager) or even a pilsner if I want something crispy. Wheat ales are soft and fruity (think bananas and cloves) and can spice up any picnic. Any fire situation screams Rauchbiers and porters, whether it's a warm camp night or wrapped in the blankets for the holidays. The options are limitless!
What are some amazing beers I can try?
Check out some of our best sellers in all styles!
Ales:
New England Sea Hag IPA - Connecticut
Allagash White - Maine
Thimble Island American Amber Ale - Connecticut
Reissdorf Kolsch - Germany
Ayinger Brau Weisse - Germany
Lagers:
Two Roads Ol' Factory Pilsner - Connecticut
Brooklyn Lager - New York
Sixpoint Crisp Pils - New York
Pilsner Urquell - Czech
Anchor Steam - California
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