The main difference between ale and lager lies in their fermentation method and type of yeast. Ale is a variety of beer that is fermented with top-fermenting yeast at warm temperatures between 60˚–70˚F.On the other hand, lager is a type of beer fermented with bottom-fermenting yeast at cold temperatures between 35˚–50˚F.
Ale and lager are two varieties of beer popular all around the world. Generally, most of the beer varieties available in the market fall into these two simple categories of beer: ales and lagers.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Ale
– Definition, Fermentation, Features
2. What is Lager
– Definition, Fermentation, Features
3. Similarities Between Ale and Lager
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Ale and Lager
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Ale, Lager
What is Ale
Ale is a variety of beer brewed using a warm fermentation method with top-fermenting yeast at warm temperatures between 60˚–70˚F. Ale usually has a sweet, fruity, and rich flavor to it. In the past, the term “ale” referred to a particular drink brewed without hops. Moreover, similar to many beer varieties, ale usually includes a bittering agent that helps to balance the malt and functions as a preservative.
However, when it comes to modern versions of ales, manufacturers most frequently brew them with water rich in calcium sulfate and top-fermenting yeast. Compared to lager beer varieties, the processing of ales takes place at higher temperatures. When it comes to the alcohol percentage, pale ale contains up to 5 percent alcohol while darker strong ale contains up to 6.5 percentage of alcohol. The taste of pale ales is relatively more bitter maltier, and hoppier than clean lagers. Some of the popular ale varieties include Brown ale, Golden ale, India Pale Ale (IPA), Pale ale, Mild ale, Burton ale, and Scotch ales.
What is Lager
Lager is a variety of beer in which brewing and processing take place at low temperatures. Also, manufacturers ferment lagers with bottom-fermenting yeast at cold temperatures between 35˚–50˚F. Apart from the fact that maturing of lager takes place in cold storage, most lagers stand different from ale varieties as the manufacturers use the bottom-fermenting yeast “Saccharomyces pastorianus” to ferment lager beers. There are different varieties of lager beers produced all around the world. They vary from each other in their taste, composition, colour, and alcohol percentage.
Moreover, lagers come in a variety of colours ranging from extremely pale and amber to dark brown and black beers like Dunkel and Schwarzbier. This colour shade is a result of the type of grain bill used in the beers. For instance, manufacturers use unroasted barley and sometimes add rice or corn to lighten the shade and add a bright finish to paler lagers, while they use roasted grains and malts to generate the darker lagers. However, the most commonly consumed and available type of beer in the market is the pale lager.
Similarities Between Ale and Lager
- Ale and lager are two varieties of beer popular all around the world.
- Generally, most of the beer varieties available in the market fall into these two simple categories of beer: ales and lagers.
Difference Between Ale and Lager
Definition
Ale is a variety of beer brewed using a warm fermentation method with top-fermenting yeast at warm temperatures between 60˚–70˚F, whereas lager is a variety of beer that is brewed and processed at low temperatures with bottom-fermenting yeast at cold temperatures between 35˚–50˚F.
Fermentation
Ale is fermented with top-fermenting yeast at warm temperatures between 60˚–70˚F, while lager is fermented with bottom-fermenting yeast at cold temperatures between 35˚–50˚F.
Flavor Profile and Alcohol Content
Ales usually come with a fruity flavor profile. Furthermore, ales contain a higher percentage of alcohol, which makes them taste more bitter and stronger. However, lagers give a crisp and clean taste, which is milder and lighter. In addition, lagers contain a lower alcohol content than ale.
Colour Profile
Ale is a category of beer with a darker and a relatively cloudier appearance, while lagers are lighter in shade and come with a clearer appearance.
Conclusion
To conclude, the main difference between ale and lager is that ale uses top-fermenting yeast at warm temperatures between 60˚–70˚F, while lager uses bottom-fermenting yeast at cold temperatures between 35˚–50˚F. Generally, most of the beer varieties available in the market fall into these two simple categories of beer: ales and lagers
Reference:
1. “Lager Beer.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
2. “Ale.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Alcohol, ale, bar, beer, beverage, bokeh, bottle, brewed, brewery, brown” (CC0) via Pxfuel
2. “Clear, glass mug, filled, beer, beverage, glass, yellow, cup, bar, night life” via Pxfuel
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