Lager beer: history, features, types

Lager is a line of bottom-fermented beers that compares favorably with ale in terms of its mild taste, rich aroma, transparency and, at the same time, the possibility of long-term storage, which only improves the taste of the drink.

The history of lager beer

It was first brewed in Bavaria in the XVI century. Interestingly, the monks made this beer only in the winter months and insisted on it until March, storing it in deep cellars or near the monastery in high-mountain vaults.

The emergence of bottom fermentation technology is associated with the fact that the drink began to be aged in cold monastery cellars, achieving a deep and rich flavor bouquet, while previously it was consumed immediately after preparation.

This is how lager appeared, which differs from the popular ale in that it is produced not by top, but by bottom fermentation of yeast.

For example: top fermentation occurs at temperatures between 17-20 °C, and bottom fermentation at 7-10 °C.

By the way, the name "lager" is translated from German as "storage" or "warehouse".

Features of lager beer production

A real lager beer is produced only during a long fermentation process, when sugar breaks down and yeast settles. This gives the drink a rich hue and impressive transparency. The best lagers are fermented in two stages: the main and the "quiet" one.

The main stage takes 2 weeks, and the beer is aged at a temperature of 5-10 °C.

In the case of "quiet" fermentation, the drink is aged in barrels or special containers for another 3 weeks at a temperature of 0-2.5 °C.

It is believed that a quality lager, produced according to the technology proven since the 16th century, should be aged in two stages for a total of at least a month.

Types of lager beer

Depending on the aging and production nuances, lager beer can be of the following types:

1. Dark lager

   An ancient beer made only from classic ingredients (water, malt and hops).

   Toasted malt gives the drink a dark color. The color of lager can vary from dark brown to deep ruby.

   The aroma is often bread, with notes of chocolate and caramel.

   The taste may contain nutty and sweet malt notes diluted with hop bitterness.

   The strength is 4.5-6 degrees. The best-selling brands of dark lager are "Altbayerisch Dunkles" and "Spaten Premium Lager".

   

2. Light lager

   First appeared only in 1895 in Munich. Light lager differs from dark lager not only by the golden hue of the drink, but also by its sweeter taste, spicy diluted with more intense hop bitterness.

   During the tasting, the aroma of hops and malt with light spicy and floral notes is clearly perceptible.

   The strength is 4.5-6 degrees. The best-selling brands of light lager are "Spaten Premium" and "Paulaner Munchner Helles".

   

3. Amber lager

   First brewed in Austria in the XIX century at the Draeger brewery. The drink is characterized by a rich amber hue and malt flavor.

   This lager is characterized by a grain aroma with notes of caramel and malt.

   The strength is 4.5-5.7. The best-selling brand of amber lager is the so-called "March beer", which is brewed under the Marzen brand for the Oktoberfest holiday.

   

4. Pilsner

   First produced in 1842 at the Groll brewery in Bavaria.

   The drink has a rich golden color and a distinctive hop flavor that prevails over the malt flavor.

   The aroma contains bread and malt notes with floral, spicy and grassy hints.

   The strength is 4-5 degrees. The best-selling brand of pilsner is called "Pilsener".

   

5. Side

   Traditionally dark, but can also be light, strong beer of bottom fermentation.

   Brewed after the end of the Oktoberfest. The strength is 7.5-13.2.

   The best-selling brands are "Spaten Premium Bock" and "Pschorr Marzenbock".

   

6. Ice-cold beer

   A modern type of lager produced by cooling to crystallization at sub-zero temperatures.

   The result is a beer with an unusually mild flavor and high alcohol content.

   The best-selling brands are "Ice Beer" and "Eisbock".

How and what to drink lager beer with

1. The lager is recommended to be drunk only chilled to reveal the full flavor of the drink.

2. Dark lager is ideal for tasting with meat dishes.

3. Amber lager is served with fried sausages.

4. Bock can be drunk with hot and spicy dishes from Mexican, Thai and Indian cuisine.

5. Light lager goes well with a variety of seafood, such as assorted mussels, octopus, shrimp and baked trout.

Five facts about lager beer

1. Lager is the most popular beer in the world. Approximately 90% of the market for the consumption of all beer is occupied by this type of drink.

2. In the notes of 19th century travelers, you can find references to lager beer as having not only a great taste, but also healing properties. Thanks to this, lager beer was even served to the table of Russian emperors at that time.

3. For the first time in Russia, lager beer was produced in 1839 at the Kazaletta brewery.

4. The taste of pilsner varieties changes with the place of production. For example, in Bavaria, it is very sweet, and if you travel further north into the country, you can taste bitter pilsner.

5. There is a special kind of lager beer for diabetics - a low-strength diet Pilsner beer with a significantly reduced carbohydrate content. This beer can be safely drunk by both athletes and people who prefer soft drinks.

Update: 15.11.2019

Category: Beer, Cider, Ale