What are lagers?
Lagers are generally beers made with bottom Fermenting yeasts. They are fermented at cooler temperatures, generally 35 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. These cooler temperatures mean longer fermenting. The process of fermenting at cool temperatures is called “lagering.” Lagers are said to have originated in Germany where the brewers found that they could change the flavor and smoothness of their beers by storing them in cold caves. Pilsners (most American beers) are a subset of lagers. The style originated in Pilsen Chezkoslovakia, and the definitive beer of this style is Pilsner Urquel. Another type of lager is a “Bock” beer. A bock is typically a lager made with a bit more of everything, and is somewhat stronger. Mai-Bock’s are a subset of that style that are brewed in the early spring time (Mai is German for May).
