Ales and lagers are, without a doubt, both delicious beers.
From temperature of fermentation to hops and yeast, there are some big differences between the two.
There is much to learn about them both. Did you know that the 1553 decree by Duke Albrecht V of Bavaria are the reason why lagers are fermented cold?
Did you know that ales are fermented using a yeast called Saccharomyces cerevisiae?
Understanding the differences could help you realise which beer you prefer, and might even make you enjoy your beer even more.
Temperature of fermentation
Ales tend to ferment at warmer temperatures (roughly 60-75°), and lagers at colder temperatures (roughly 42-55°).
The reason why lagers are fermented cold is partly because of the 1553 decree by Duke Albrecht V of Bavaria that prohibited summer brewing. It caused brewers to select a yeast that was tolerant of the cold winter.
This meant that lager yeasts evolved to thrive in the cold.
As ale yeast ferments at warmer temperatures, it can release more fruity and spicy compounds known as esters and phenols. This is especially true of Belgian-style yeasts.
Ales can therefore come in a wide variety of flavours, such as mango and pineapple.
Lager yeasts, in contrast, tend to come in those crisp and clean flavours that allow ingredients such as malt and grains to take the stage.
Yeast
Yeast is another difference between the two. Ales and lagers are fermented using two different species of yeast.
Ale is fermented using a yeast called Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It’s the same type of yeast that’s used in bread baking.
It’s referred to as a top-fermenting yeast because it will first rise to the top and then will sink to the bottom of the brewing vessel when fermentation is ending.
Lager, on the other hand, is fermented using Saccharomyces pastorianus. It’s referred to as bottom-fermenting yeast because it doesn't rise during fermentation like ale yeast does.
The difference in yeast means that there’s a difference in alcohol content. Ale’s yeast survives in higher alcohol environments, which means that it generally has a higher alcohol content.
Hops
Hops are present in almost every beer style, but in different quantities, which results in different tastes.
Due to lager’s cold treatment process, fine flavours such as hops and malt are able to come out, so there is not much of a need for heavy hops to finish the beer.
By comparison, hops tend to be found in much higher content in ales. The faster, warmer process of brewing ale means there may be more bitterness in the finished beer.
Heavier concentrations of hops are therefore added to counteract this, so you get a hoppier beer.
Whether they’re lagers or ales, all you need to enjoy them are nice surroundings and a good glass, so get pouring and enjoy!
Please drink responsibly, 18+ only
