Lager beer

Lager beer is a type of beer that is conditioned at low temperatures, typically at the brewery. It may be pale, golden, amber, or dark.

History

The history of lager beer dates back to the Middle Ages in Central Europe. The term "lager" is derived from the German word "lagern" which means "to store". This refers to the method of storing the beer in cool cellars or caves for a period of time before it is ready to be consumed.

Production

The production of lager beer involves a process known as lagering. This process involves fermenting the beer at a low temperature for a prolonged period of time. The yeast used in the production of lager beer, known as Saccharomyces pastorianus, is a bottom-fermenting yeast, which means it ferments at the bottom of the fermentation vessel. This is in contrast to ale yeast, which is a top-fermenting yeast.

Types of Lager Beer

There are several types of lager beer, including Pilsner, Dunkel, and Märzen. Pilsner is a type of pale lager that originated in the Czech city of Pilsen. Dunkel, which means "dark" in German, is a dark lager that is typically malty and smooth. Märzen is a traditional German lager that is brewed in March (März in German) and lagered until the fall.

Consumption

Lager beer is consumed worldwide and is particularly popular in Central Europe, North America, and Australia. It is typically served cold and is often enjoyed in a beer garden or at a beer festival.

See Also

• Ale
• Beer style
• Beer in Germany
• Beer in the Czech Republic