Pale lager

Pale Lager

Pale lager is a very pale-to-golden-colored lager with a well-attenuated body and a varying degree of noble hop bitterness. The brewing process for this beer developed in the mid-19th century when Gabriel Sedlmayr took pale ale brewing techniques back to the Spaten Brewery in Germany and applied it to existing lagering brewing methods. This approach was picked up by other brewers, most notably Josef Groll of Pilsner Urquell in the Czech Republic.

History

The history of pale lager dates back to the mid-19th century, with the work of Gabriel Sedlmayr of Spaten Brewery in Munich and Anton Dreher in Vienna. They developed a stable pale malt that was suitable for lagering, and this innovation spread across Europe, leading to the development of beers that were lighter in color and body than the traditional dark lagers that were common at the time.

Brewing Process

The brewing process for pale lager involves a long fermentation period at low temperatures, which results in a beer that is light in color and body, with a clean, crisp taste. The malt used in the brewing process is typically a pale malt, which contributes to the beer's light color. The beer is also typically hopped with noble hops, which add a subtle bitterness and aroma to the beer.

Types of Pale Lager

There are several types of pale lager, including Pilsner, Helles, and Dortmunder Export. Pilsner, which originated in the Czech Republic, is a type of pale lager that is light in color and body, with a noticeable hop bitterness. Helles, which originated in Germany, is a type of pale lager that is slightly sweeter and less hoppy than Pilsner. Dortmunder Export, also from Germany, is a type of pale lager that is stronger and more balanced than Helles.

Taste and Serving

Pale lagers are known for their clean, crisp taste and light body. They are typically served cold, and are often enjoyed in the summer months due to their refreshing qualities. The flavor of a pale lager can vary depending on the specific type of lager and the brewing process, but they are generally characterized by a subtle malt sweetness, a mild hop bitterness, and a clean, crisp finish.

See Also

• Beer
• Lager
• Pilsner
• Helles
• Dortmunder Export