Pip's Plate

Ales are beer and lagers are beer, but they are quite different from each other. Ales tend to be darker, richer and hoppier; lagers tend to be lighter in color, taste and body.

The difference between ales and lagers tends to be defined by the fermentation process.

Ales are brewed with top-fermentation yeasts and are fermented at higher temperatures (60 and 75F) which makes the beer ferment much faster.

Fermenting at this high temperature allows the beer to develop flavors and aromas that are more fruity and rich than lagers, which tend to be drier and lighter.

Lagers are made with bottom-fermented yeasts and tend to go through 2 fermentation phases. The first phase ferments between 45 and 55F, while the second phase ferments between 30 and 40F.  It’s the second phase that gives the lager a lighter, clearer color.

I tend to be a fan of ales over lagers. I prefer the richer, more intense flavor an ale has to offer. IPA’s (India Pale Ales) are a favorite of mine due to the very bitter, and hoppiness of the beer. However, if I’m not interested in such a strong beer (IPAs can get up to 9% alcohol, so watch out), I’ll always settle for a good weiss.