Lager beers are distinguished from ales because of the way that they are created. The yeast employed for lagering works at cooler temperatures and therefore sinks to the bottom. Interestingly enough, the term 'lager' is a German word, which means 'cold storage'.
History
Lagers are relatively new on the world scene, as ales were brewed centuries before the lagering technique was invented. It wasn't until the 1830's, when Bavarians invented the lagering method of beer production. In 1942, the first lager brew was tapped in Pilsen, Germany, which was a American lagers became the most widely available beers on Earth (though many consider them to be a watered down version of the original lagers). Luckily, there are a wide variety of brews to choose from!
Lager Types
* Amber Lager: These are darker in color, with a copper to amber hue. Generally more flavorful than the standard pale lager.
* Bock: A type of strong lager, typically associated with Germany.
* Dark Lager/ Dunkel: The original pale lager that can combine chocolate or licorice flavors with dark roasted malt.
* Doppelbock: Extra strong and rich lagers, coupled with sweetness; a subcategory of bock.
* Pale Lager: The standard international beer style, as personified by products from Budweiser to Heineken.
* Pilsner: Characterized by high carbonation and tangy Czech varieties of hops that impart floral aromas and a crisp, bitter finish.
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