What is a Lager? And answers to other lager-ish questions.

1. What is a Lager?

Good question. Before really publishing this we, too, had this question. Here's a couple different responses for you.

Here's what ChatGPTS says:

"Lager is a type of beer that is fermented and conditioned at low temperatures. It originated in Central Europe, particularly in Germany and the Czech Republic. Lagers are known for their crisp, clean taste and refreshing quality.

The key characteristic of lager beer is the type of yeast used and the fermentation process. Lager yeast, also known as Saccharomyces pastorianus, ferments the beer at lower temperatures compared to ale yeast. This slower fermentation process results in a beer with a smooth and well-balanced flavor profile.

Lager beers typically have a pale to medium golden color, although there are darker varieties as well. They often exhibit a lighter body and lower levels of fruity esters and hop bitterness compared to ales. The aroma and flavor of lagers can vary, ranging from mild and malty to more hop-forward or even slightly sweet in some cases.

Some popular styles of lager include Pilsner, Märzen (Oktoberfest), Bock, Dortmunder Export, and Vienna Lager. These styles have their own distinct characteristics and are enjoyed by beer enthusiasts worldwide.

It's worth noting that the term "lager" is used to describe the beer style as well as the process of cold-conditioning. So, when you refer to a "lager beer," you're essentially talking about a beer brewed using the lagering process and employing lager yeast."

And this is from Wikipedia:

"Lager (/ˈlɑːɡər/) is beer which has been brewed and conditioned at low temperature.[1] Lagers can be pale, amber, or dark. Pale lager is the most widely consumed and commercially available style of beer.[2] The term "lager" comes from the German for "storage", as the beer was stored before drinking, traditionally in the same cool caves[3] in which it was fermented."

2. But, aren't all beers also lagers?

Another fair question. And no, all beers are not lagers. Lagers are differentiated by their low temperature brewing. Some commonly known lagers, as The Spruce Eats points out are Budweiser, Busch Lite, Coors, Miller Genuine Draft, and PBR.

3. Why did you really want to review lagers?

Firstly, this is the type of beer that we enjoy the most. Secondly, there are not many lager reviews out there and most of the ones that do exist are literally the most boring reviews of anything we've ever read ever. Its unfair that drinks writers extend hyperbole to all types of drinks exept lagers. Lagers deserve hyperbole too. Thirdly, and lastly, there are many to review!