What is the difference between ale and lager?
The key difference between an ale and a lager is the type of yeast used in fermentation. Ales are fermented with what are known as “top-fermenting” yeasts and lagers are made from “bottom-fermenting” yeasts. In addition, ale and lager yeast strains lend their own particular flavour and aroma characteristics to the beer. Other differences between ales and lagers depend largely on the ingredients traditionally used to brew them. Ales were traditionally brewed in the British Isles, whereas lagers developed as part of the Continental European brewing tradition. Ales are often served warmer than lagers, which reflects the temperature at which they were actually fermented. Ales are typically fermented warm (at about room temperature) with a yeast that rises to the top of the beer near the end of fermentation. Ale fermentations are generally of a shorter duration than lagers, although the cold ageing time may be just as long.
The key difference between an ale and a lager is the type of yeast used in fermentation. Ales are fermented with what are known as “top-fermenting” yeasts and lagers are made from “bottom-fermenting” yeasts. In addition, ale and lager yeast strains lend their own particular flavour and aroma characteristics to the beer. Other differences between ales and lagers depend largely on the ingredients traditionally used to brew them. Ales were traditionally brewed in the British Isles, whereas lagers developed as part of the Continental European brewing tradition. Ales are often served warmer than lagers, which reflects the temperature at which they were actually fermented. Ales are typically fermented warm (at about room temperature) with a yeast that rises to the top of the beer near the end of fermentation. Ale fermentations are generally of a shorter duration than lagers, although the cold ageing time may be just as long. Ale recipes often contain a higher amount of hops, malt and roasted
