Is lager the same as craft beer? This is a question that often arises when discussing different types of beer. While both lager and craft beer fall under the broad category of beer, they are not the same thing. The main difference lies in the brewing process, ingredients, and overall approach to brewing.
Let's start with lager. Lager is a type of beer that is fermented and conditioned at low temperatures. This results in a clean, crisp, and often lighter-bodied beer. The name “lager” actually comes from the German word for “storage,” as the beer is traditionally stored for a longer period of time during the conditioning process. Lagers are known for their smoothness and easy drinkability.
On the other hand, craft beer is a term that encompasses a wide range of beer styles, flavors, and brewing techniques. Craft breweries are often small, independent operations that focus on producing high-quality, unique beers. Craft beer is typically brewed in smaller batches, allowing for more experimentation and creativity.
One of the key differences between lager and craft beer lies in the ingredients used. While lagers can be made using a variety of grains, such as barley, corn, or rice, craft breweries often prioritize using high-quality, specialty malts. These malts are chosen strategically to give the beer its color, flavor, and complexity. Craft brewers may also incorporate a wide range of additional ingredients, such as fruits, spices, or even barrel-aged spirits, to create unique and innovative flavors.
The brewing process itself also sets craft beer apart from lagers. Craft breweries often take a hands-on approach to brewing, similar to a chef in a kitchen. Brewers meticulously select their ingredients and carefully control the brewing process to achieve the desired flavors and characteristics in their beers. This attention to detail and craftsmanship is what sets craft beer apart from mass-produced lagers.
Craft breweries also tend to foster a sense of community and creativity. Many craft breweries have taprooms or brewpubs where customers can enjoy the beer right at the source. These spaces often serve as gathering places for beer enthusiasts, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. Craft breweries are also known for collaborating with other breweries and experimenting with new brewing techniques, pushing the boundaries of what beer can be.
While lager is a type of beer, craft beer is a broader category that encompasses a wide range of styles and flavors. Craft breweries prioritize quality, creativity, and experimentation, often using specialty malts and additional ingredients to create unique and complex beers. The brewing process and the sense of community associated with craft breweries further differentiate them from mass-produced lagers. So, while lager can certainly be a type of craft beer, not all craft beers are lagers.