These two types of beer differ fundamentally in their fermentation process and the specific strains of yeast used.
Ales are one of the oldest kinds of beer and are fermented at warmer temperatures, typically using a top-fermenting yeast known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
This yeast tends to settle at the top of the fermenting vessel and works best between 60 to 75°F (15 to 24°C).
The warmer fermentation promotes the production of esters and other secondary flavors and aromas, often resulting in ales that are full-bodied with a fruitier, more complex character.
In contrast, lagers are a relatively modern invention with roots traced back to the 15th century in Bavaria.
This type of beer employs a bottom-fermenting yeast strain, Saccharomyces pastorianus, which prefers cooler temperatures, typically ranging from 45 to 55°F (7 to 13°C).
The lower temperatures inhibit the production of fruity esters, often yielding a cleaner, crisper taste.
Due to these cooler conditions, lager yeasts will settle at the bottom of the fermenting vessel, leading to a longer and slower fermentation process.
The Basics of Beer
When you explore the world of beer, you’ll encounter a diverse array of styles and flavors deeply rooted in history and governed by the brewing process.
Ingredients
The core ingredients of beer are water, malt, hops, and yeast. Each plays a pivotal role:
Water: The largest component in beer, its mineral content can affect flavor.
Malt: Typically derived from barley, malt provides the sugars necessary for fermentation.
Hops: These flowers add bitterness to balance the sweetness of the malt and can contribute various aromas.
Yeast: The microorganism responsible for fermentation, it converts sugars into alcohol and CO2.
Brewing Process
The brewing process has key stages:
Mashing: Grain is mixed with water, converting starches to sugars.
Boiling: The wort (unfermented beer) is boiled and hops are added.
Fermenting: Yeast is introduced and alcohol is produced.
Conditioning: The beer matures and flavors develop.
Packaging: The beer is carbonated and bottled or kegged.
Beer Styles
Beer styles vary with ingredients and process:
Ale: Made with top-fermenting yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, at warmer temperatures.
Lager: Brewed with bottom-fermenting yeast, Saccharomyces pastorianus, at cooler conditions.
Historical Origins
Beer’s origins can be traced back thousands of years. Key historical points include:
Ancient civilizations brewing with varied methods.
The Reinheitsgebot, Germany’s beer purity law of 1516, mandating beer to only contain water, barley, and hops.
The distinction between ale and lager styles developing from different fermentation techniques.
The Role of Yeast
Yeast is the defining factor in whether a beer is an ale or a lager:
Ales use Saccharomyces cerevisiae, fermenting quickly at higher temperatures.
Lagers are made with Saccharomyces pastorianus, requiring a longer fermentation at cooler temperatures.
Lagers: Usually have a crisp and clean profile with a milder flavor and a more subtle range of aromatic notes.
Ales: Tend to display a broader spectrum of flavors and aromas, often described as robust, fruity, and spicy.
Lagers are characteristically light in color with a clear clarity.
Ales may vary from light to dark shades and can be darker and cloudier than lagers.
Lagers: Generally have an alcohol by volume (ABV) ranging from 4% to 6%.
Ales: Can have a much broader range, from 3% to over 12% ABV, due to their fermentation process and yeast resilience at higher alcohol levels.
Lagers benefit from being served at a colder temperature, between 35°F to 40°F (1.5°C to 4.5°C), which complements their clean taste.
Ales are often served somewhat warmer, at 40°F to 55°F (4.5°C to 13°C), to better appreciate their complex flavors and aromas.
IPAs (India Pale Ales): Known for their strong hop flavor, IPAs come in several varieties, including American, English, and Double or Imperial.
Stouts and Porters: Both offer rich, dark, and roasted flavors. Stouts tend to be heavier and creamier, while porters are slightly lighter with subtle chocolate notes.
Pale Ales: Typically golden to amber in color, these are well-balanced beers with a moderate hop presence.
Sours: These include a variety of styles like Gose and Berliner Weisse, recognized for their tart and acidic taste.
Wheat Beers: Cloudy in appearance, with a light and refreshing flavor, often featuring notes of banana and clove.
Barleywines: Characterized by their high alcohol content and strong, malty flavor profile.
Pilsners and Pilsener: Pilsners are a type of pale lager with a light golden color, a crisp floral hop aroma, and a refreshing finish.
Dunkel: A darker lager with a smooth malty flavor originating from Germany.
Bock: A strong lager in several varieties like traditional bock, maibock, and doppelbock, each with varying degrees of maltiness.
Pale Lager: This is a broad category that includes the highly popular light lagers, often recognized for their high drinkability.
Schwarzbier: Literally ‘black beer’ in German, it’s a dark lager with a mild roasted character and a smooth finish.
Light Dishes: Choose seafood, grilled chicken, or salads to complement the subtler flavors of a lager.
Spicy Foods: The refreshing nature of lagers cleanses the palate, making them suitable for spicier dishes like tacos or Thai cuisine.
Robust Flavors: Pair with grilled meats, burgers, or spicy dishes that can stand up to the stronger flavors of ales.
Hearty Stews: The rich taste of stouts or porters aligns well with stews or heavy dishes.
Desserts: Ales with fruity or caramel notes are excellent with desserts like chocolate cake.
Key Ingredients:
Grains: Often locally sourced, adding a regional character to the beer.
Hops: Variety of strains used for distinct bitterness, flavor, and aroma profiles.
Additives: From local fruits to exotic spices, adding complexity to the brew.
Popularity Factors:
Quality: Superior ingredients and brewing methods have raised the bar.
Variety: From ales to lagers, there’s a craft beer for every palate.
Community: Local breweries often serve as social and cultural hubs.
Flavor Profile: Fruity, spicy, varied
Mouthfeel: Full-bodied
Alcohol Content: 3% to 21% ABV
Taste: Robust, complex
Appearance: Often darker with a cloudy look
Flavor Profile: Clean, smooth, mellow
Mouthfeel: Light to medium-bodied
Alcohol Content: 4% to 6% ABV
Taste: Subtle, crisp
Appearance: Typically clear and pale to amber color
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
