Lager

Lager beer

Lager beer was invented in Bavaria in the 15th century. The exact place of origin is not known, but it is believed to have been developed in the monasteries of the region. What makes lager special is that it is fermented at cool temperatures and bottom-fermented yeast, resulting in a clean and refreshing taste. The word "lager" comes from "lagern", which also means "to store". The beer was traditionally stored in cool cellars to keep it fresh. Today, lager is brewed all over the world and is one of the most popular beers around.

At Hopfnung.ch we mainly distinguish between European lager and American lager. However, these categories still contain many beer styles. Pilsner is a sub-type of lager, to which we dedicate a sub-category of its own.

European Lager

European lagers are somewhat stronger and heartier than American lagers. The name lager comes from the good lagering properties of bottom-fermented beers, which are produced at low temperatures. Lager beers were made in the winter months before the age of refrigeration machines. Lagers from craft beer breweries are often unfiltered and not further processed. They differ from mass-produced lagers in discount stores by having a more intense and palatable taste. A European lager is a style of beer that is widespread and very popular in Europe. It is a light beer brewed with bottom-fermenting yeast at cool temperatures and has a refreshing, clean taste. It usually has a low to medium alcohol content and moderate bitterness.

However, within Europe there are regional differences in taste and brewing methods. For example, there are light, dark to black lagers, which can be enjoyed from light to hoppy and malty.

American Lager

American Lager Beer, or North American lager, is a light lager produced primarily in the United States. The pale lager originally comes from Europe, which was first produced in the middle of the 19th century and arrived in the USA with German immigrants. Unlike the lagers from Europe, American lager is more moderately hopped and evolved into a lighter lager, sometimes with additives such as rice or corn.