If you love to sip on a cold American lager on a hot summer's day, you're far from alone. This popular style of beer has passed the test of time and is one of the most iconic, original, American blends on the market. These types of lagers are different from their European counterparts and other brews from the old world, including pilsners and ales.
What Makes an "American" Lager Unique?
These types of lagers are characterized by their straw-colored light bodies, relatively low alcohol content, and mild hops. The key to a good lager is consistency. These beers are simple, enjoyable, and refreshing. Most people find that they're the perfect beer to bring to a summertime ballgame or take on a camping trip. Even people who say that they don't really like the taste of beer generally enjoy these blends.
American-style lagers have a golden, light appearance that is generally filtered and unhazy with plenty of bubbles. They tend to have just a touch of hops and malt, making them exceptionally palatable to most tastes. Although all lagers are different, many have a pleasant toasty, grainy flavor and some fruity elements. What really sets them apart is their drinkability and versatility.
Common Flavor Notes
American-style lagers tend to be blank slates that brewers can experiment with. As such, some of them have a heady, malty aroma and a touch of sophisticated sweetness. Others will be floral and fragrant, thanks to some well-placed hops. Unlike other types of beers, you shouldn't expect any bitterness with this particular style. A lower concentration of hops means that the beer is lighter in alcohol and also avoids tasting too bitter. The neutrality of this blend is really what makes it such a good beer for those who don't like strong hoppy or malty flavors.
American-style lagers tend to finish crisply and without any lingering aftertaste. In addition, since they are highly carbonated, they tend to be thirst-quenching and ideal for hot days.
Good Food Pairings
Since these types of beers don't usually have overpowering flavors, you can pair them with just about anything. Spicier, bold food like Thai, Peruvian, and Mexican cuisine works well with American-style lagers. The heat will play well with the light hops and malt, and the thirst-quenching properties of the lager itself will help to neutralize any overly bold flavors. They also pair very well with salty foods, like peanuts, chips, and pretzels.
American-style lagers are great pub beers because they were simply made to pair with bar fare. Pair your pint with a cheese pizza, sausage, or mozzarella sticks. If you want to go a little higher-end with your pairings, you can always drink these lagers with brie our gouda cheese. Its versatility lets you dress it up or dress it down, depending on the occasion.
Beer History
American lager is a U.S.-style twist on the original European lager and was brought to the states by German immigrants. Today, American-style lagers are some of the most popular beers in the United States and neighboring Canada. One of the key differentiating factors is the type of barley used to make these lagers. American barley has a little more protein and more tannic acid than its European counterparts, lending a unique taste to the early versions of this beer. Today, many brewers use rice to make their lagers, which gives the beer a light, uniform flavor.
Different Types of Lagers
Although there are some similarities between American-style lagers and European-style lagers, the two products are very different. While American-style lager tends to follow the same brewing patterns, the European version tastes differently depending on what country you get it from. Both styles are absolutely delicious and well worth trying.
American
American-style lagers come in a few different forms; red, amber, imperial pilsner, and pale lager. Although imperial pilsners are closest to their European relatives, there are still some key differences. American-style imperial pilsners are sweeter and heavier than European-style ones. They also tend to be a little maltier and heavier on the yeast.
Amber lagers tend to be a little fruitier as well. Since lagers tend to be a blank canvas for brewers to experiment on, you could find some unexpected flavors in American-style lagers. Some breweries infuse their lagers with fruit, spices, or even sweeter flavors like a touch of honey or orange. You won't find as much variation on the European side of things, where the recipes tend to be a little bit more traditional.
European
European Lagers are not a homogenous group. There are three distinct varietals; European, German, and Czech. Germany has several different types of lagers, including darker blends like doppelbock, maibock, and eisbock. Oktoberfest is a riff on a lager as well, and it should come as no surprise that nobody does this style quite as well as the Germans. Today, many American breweries are experimenting with their own Oktoberfest beers, adding uniquely American ingredients like pumpkin and spices to them. Traditional Oktoberfests are gold, herbal, and have a tiny bit of citrus.
Czech pilsners come from Pilsen, a town in the Czech republic famous for inventing this style of beer. These lagers tend to be hoppier than the pilsners produced in the United States and contain a good bit of spice as well. Although they're light-bodied, Czech pilsners have a serious depth of flavor that's floral and buttery at the same time. European lagers are pale, dark, or strong. Pale lagers are most similar to what many people are used to. Their strong and dark lagers are definitely a bit of a treat. While most lagers do well in hot weather, dark or strong lagers are good winter beers.
Complimentary Styles
If you want to branch out a tiny bit from the lager box, there are plenty of complimentary styles that will quench your thirst. If you love the hoppy bite of a good lager but want a little bit more bitterness, check out a pale ale. Pale ales have more alcohol than lagers, with a stronger floral scent and a fruity taste. Some pale ales go a little sweeter, incorporating sugar and caramel into their blends. Others are tropical-fruit laced and hop forward. Amber ales are another excellent choice, although these blends tend to be maltier rather than heavy on the hops.
Amber ales tend to be a lot maltier than their pale ale counterparts. Expect heavier notes of toffee, caramel, and stonefruit in every sip. These beers are excellent options for people who want something a little heavier than a lager but don't want to drink something like a porter or a stout. Hefeweizens, or wheat beers, are another excellent summertime option. These zesty beers tend to be hazily colored and heavy on the citrus. If you want to take a break from the lagers, grab one of them.
American lagers are excellent, drinkable beers that you can pair with just about anything. If you're in the mood for a fresh, cold lager, why not check out your friendly local craft brewery. At Lowercase Brewing, we're serving up fantastic versions of your classic American-style lager, along with a small menu and friendly service. Contact Lowercase Brewing to check out our wide selection of premium beers today.
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