master-cooks | Lager Vs Pilsner Beers: What's The Difference?

Lager and Pilsner are both popular styles of beer, yet they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Lager is a broad category that encompasses various types of beers, all of which are fermented and conditioned at low temperatures. This cold fermentation process results in a clean, crisp taste and a smooth finish. Lagers are known for their balanced flavor profile, with a slight malt sweetness and a mild hop bitterness. They are versatile and can range from pale to dark in color. Pilsner, on the other hand, is a specific type of lager originating from the Czech city of Plzeň. It is distinguished by its pale golden color and a pronounced hop aroma and flavor, which primarily comes from the use of Saaz hops. Pilsners are typically more bitter and aromatic than other lagers. The style can be divided into Czech Pilsners, which tend to be softer and maltier, and German Pilsners, which are crisper and have a more pronounced hop bitterness. While all Pilsners are lagers, not all lagers are Pilsners. The key difference lies in the hop character and flavor intensity, with Pilsners offering a more hop-forward experience compared to the broader lager category.

Lager is all about the fermentation process

A key characteristic of lagers is the type of yeast utilized during their production. When brewing lager, producers generally employ a yeast that ferments at cooler temperatures, typically between 44 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and settles at the bottom of the fermentation tanks. In contrast, ales and other beers primarily use top-fermenting yeast, which rises to the surface during fermentation. Traditionally, lagers are aged for extended periods, allowing the yeast to accumulate at the bottom, resulting in a clear final product. The term "lagering" originates from the German word "lagern," meaning "to store," and refers to the prolonged fermentation process. Over time, this term became synonymous with the category of beers produced through bottom fermentation.

Lagers are also recognized by their color and flavor profile. Due to the lower fermentation temperatures compared to other beer styles, lagers typically have a cleaner taste with fewer of the "funky" flavors that can be found in some other varieties. Their color is usually lighter, although this is not a strict rule. Given their crisp flavor, it’s no wonder that lagers dominate a significant portion of the beer market, with major brands like Budweiser, Coors, Corona, and Heineken all producing lagers. Within the lager category, various styles such as helles, Märzens, dunkels, bocks, and Vienna-style beers can be considered part of the lager family.

A pilsner is a type of lager

Pilsners, like lagers in general, are bottom-fermented beers brewed at cooler temperatures. However, they possess distinct characteristics that differentiate them from other lagers. Notably, pilsners are remarkably crisp and clean in both appearance and flavor, often exhibiting a slightly hoppier profile than some other lagers. Hops, which impart bitterness to beer, give pilsners a bit more of a bite compared to their lager counterparts.

Due to their refreshing nature, pilsners are quite prevalent in the beer market. Several well-known brands, such as Stella Artois, Carlsberg, Labatt Blue, and Bitburger, have made their mark in pilsner production. The Czech-brewed Pilsner Urquell is frequently regarded as one of the finest pilsners available. Just as there are distinctions between pilsners and Kölsch beers, there can also be variations among different pilsners, particularly those produced in various regions. Ultimately, it’s important to remember that while all pilsners are lagers, not all lagers qualify as pilsners. So, if you ever spot both terms on a label, you’ll understand the distinction.

Lager Vs Pilsner Beers: What's The Difference?

Lager is all about the fermentation process

A pilsner is a type of lager

Recommended

Next up