What’s the difference between a lager and an ale?
Although there are essentially only two types of beer (ale and lager), there are a number of styles that fall under the two categories. Lagers – The word lager is derived from the German verb “lagern,” which means “to store”. During the late middle ages, before the days of refrigeration, fermentation was a hit-or-miss affair, especially during the hot summer months. To ensure a supply of beer for the summer, brewers in the Bavarian Alps stored kegs of spring brew in icy mountain caves. As the beer slowly aged, the yeast settled, creating a drink that was dark but clear and sparkling with a crisper, more delicate flavor. In 1842, lager acquired its familiar golden color when a brewery in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia perfected a pale, bottom-fermented version of the beer. Lagers typically take more time to brew and are aged longer than ales. Lagers are best enjoyed at cooler-than-room temperature. Ale – Although the term ‘ale’ covers a fascinating variety of styles, all ales share certain char
