Lager Love: Getting to Know the Cool Side of Craft Beer
When you hear the word "lager," what comes to mind? For many, it might be the ubiquitous cans found in every corner store (not here!). While those certainly are lagers, the world of craft lagers offers so much more depth, nuance, and flavour than you might expect! We have a deep respect for the art of lager brewing, and we're excited to share why this style deserves a place in your pint glass.
So, what truly sets a lager apart in the vast world of beer? Let's dive into some Craft Beer 101.
It All Starts with Yeast and Temperature (Really!)
Fundamentally, the main distinction between the two primary beer families – Ales and Lagers – lies in the type of yeast used and the temperature at which they ferment.
Lager Yeast: The scientific name is Saccharomyces pastorianus, but you can think of it as the more "chill" member of the yeast family. It prefers to work its magic slowly and at cooler temperatures, typically between 7-16°C (45-60°F). This cool, slow fermentation is key. Often, it’s followed by an extended period of cold storage or conditioning – a process aptly named "lagering" (from the German word lagern, meaning "to store"). This maturation phase helps the beer clarify and allows flavours to mellow and refine. Lager yeast also characteristically ferments from the bottom of the vessel.
Ale Yeast: Conversely, ale yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) thrives in warmer conditions (usually 18-22°C or 65-72°F). It ferments much more rapidly and typically works from the top of the fermentation tank.
Cool Science, But What Does it Mean for My Beer?
These differing fermentation processes have a significant impact on the final taste and aroma profile of the beer.
Because lager yeast operates slowly and at cooler temperatures, it produces fewer esters and phenols – the compounds responsible for the distinct fruity and spicy notes often found in ales. This doesn't mean lagers are flavourless! It simply means the yeast contributes a much cleaner, more subtle character. This allows the inherent flavours of the malt and hops to take center stage.
Consequently, lagers are often characterized by:
Crispness: A clean, refreshing quality.
Clean Finish: Minimal lingering yeast-derived fruitiness or spiciness.
Smoothness: A typically smoother, more rounded mouthfeel.
Malt & Hop Focus: Allowing the nuances of grain sweetness or hop bitterness/aroma to be clearly perceived.
Crafting an excellent lager is widely considered a true test of a brewer's skill. The clean profile leaves no room for error; precision in process and quality ingredients are paramount to achieving that perfect, refreshing balance.
Old Yale's Approach to Lagers
At Old Yale, we believe a great lager is all about balance, quality, and drinkability. We appreciate the challenge and the reward of brewing styles where clean, crisp refreshment is the goal. It takes patience and precision to create lagers that are both flavourful and incredibly smooth. Whether it's our classic Fraser Valley Lager, or other variations within the lager family, our focus is always on showcasing the quality of the ingredients and achieving that signature crisp finish.
Ready to Explore the Cool Side of Craft?
So, the next time you're browsing a tap list or beer cooler, don't just skip past the lagers! Give a well-crafted one a try – you might be surprised by the depth and refreshment you find. Keep an eye on our taps and social media; we're always excited about exploring different beer styles, and you never know when a new crisp creation might appear!
Cheers to crisp refreshment!