Whats the difference between ale and beer?
There are two main categories of beer…ale and lager. Ales use yeast that ferments at the top of the fermentation vessel, and this takes place at warmer temperatures. Ales tend to be more complex and aromatic. Some beers that fall into the ale category: stouts, hefeweizens, belgians, IPAs, barleywine. Lagers use yeast that ferments at the bottom of the fermentation vessel. They ferment at much lower temperatures than ales, and many require a cool storage period after fermentation to fully mature and be ready to consume. Lagers tend to be more malty, crisp and clean tasting. Mass produced beers like Bud, Coors, Heineken, etc. are technically lagers. Other examples of lagers are Oktoberfest beers, pilsners, bocks & schwarzbier.
