Beer Styles

Ales

Ale is one of the two major styles of beer, and has several characteristics that distinguish it from the second variety, the lager.

Considered the oldest form of beer, ale is fermented at higher temperatures, usually between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Ale is top-fermented, meaning the yeast floats to the top of the fermenter during the process rather than settling on the bottom.

Ale is usually described as being thicker or heavier than a lager and typically contains a larger amount of hops, malt and roasted malts, leading to a more bitter and malty taste in most cases.

Compared with lagers, ale also usually has a higher amount of alcohol, especially within the United States. Their colors are typically darker including reddish and dark browns, reds and more, aside from lighter pale ales.

Among the more popular ales are specialty beers ranging from Bass to Boddington’s Pub Ale to the Shock Top line, all of which are offered by Treu House of Munch.

There are many different types of ales to choose from including pale ales, dark ales, Irish reds, Belgian, German, cream ales and more. What’s your favorite?

For more information, visit the BeerUtopia website.

For more information, visit the Ale vs Lager website.

Lagers

Lagers are the most widely consumed style of beer in America, and have several key differences from the other major style, ales.

The fermentation process for lagers leads to yeast settling on the bottom of the fermenter as opposed to the top, as is the case with ales. The process usually takes place at much colder temperatures of below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which is another key difference.

The word lager is actually a German term meaning “to store,” and that’s exactly what happens these days during the brewing process – for several weeks to months.

Color-wise, lagers are usually a lighter, golden color, although dark lagers are sometimes made, especially in Europe.

Popular American lagers include Budweiser, Michelob and more. Specialty and imported lagers such as St. Pauli Girl and Landshark are also enjoyed by Treu House customers.

More specific lager styles include bocks, Dunkel lagers (meaning “dark” in German), pale lagers (which includes Pilsners such as Budweiser) and many more variations.

Lagers generally have less alcohol than ales, especially in the United States.

For more information, visit the Ale vs Lager website.