Imported Lagers
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Why is a lager just a lager and an ale is everything else, in style and alcohol content?
In: FAQ
10 Jul 2010Seems like a lager is always just a lager unless its a pilsner, and the alcohol is always about 5%. Just about every other style of beer is a type of ale, and the alcohol contents go from 4% to 25% and sometimes higher.
I know the top fermenting yeast in ales, ferment at higher temps and thus faster. Does the make the alcohol content more “workable”?
3 Responses to Why is a lager just a lager and an ale is everything else, in style and alcohol content?
writersbloc30
July 10th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Damn!! And I thought I knew alot about alcohol!
Charles C
July 11th, 2010 at 12:22 am
There are other beer styles besides Lager. They just aren’t as popular in the USA. Pilsner refers to a light bodied beer produced at cold temp. I like Bock beer. It is fermented twice and often has a high alcohol content.
Naturally fermented beer or wine cannot exceed about 14-15%. This is when the alcohol starts killing the yeast. Higher than that the alcohol has been added.
Also alcohol varies depending on state law. In Ok. if over 3.2% can only be sold in liqour stores. Ca. used to require beer over 4% by weight be labeled Malt Liqour.
dogglebe
July 11th, 2010 at 1:00 am
There are strong lagers. Look for dopplebocks (like Celebrator), if that’s what you want.