Lager is a type of beer. All lagers are beers; but not all beers are lagers. Beers are typically a lager or an ale.
All beers, including lagers, are typically brewed using water, grains (like barley or wheat), hops, and yeast. However, the key difference is found in their fermentation process. Lager is produced through a method called bottom fermentation, which occurs at cooler temperatures and uses a specific yeast strain. This process results in a cleaner, crisper taste and often a lighter color compared to ales, another major beer type. Ales, in contrast, are produced through top fermentation at warmer temperatures, leading to a wider range of flavors and styles.
Comparison chart
 | Beer | Lager |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Fermented beverage. Beer is a general term that encompasses all varieties of brewed malt beverages. | Lager is a specific type of beer characterized by its method of fermentation and flavor. |
| Flavor | Beers have a wide range of flavor profiles, from bitter to sweet, and can include fruity, spicy, or malty notes. | Lagers are known for their crisp, clean, and smooth flavors, often with a balanced malt and hop character. |
| Color | The color of beer can vary significantly, ranging from pale straw to deep black, depending on the ingredients and brewing process. | Lagers are generally pale to medium amber in color, although there are darker variants. |
| Alcohol by volume (ABV) | Ales range from very low (3% ABV) to very high (up to 21% ABV) depending on style. In general, alcohol content in beer varies widely; some styles have low alcohol content and are quite strong. | Lagers typically have an alcohol content that ranges from 4% to 6% ABV (alcohol by volume). |
| Carbonation | The level of carbonation in beer can vary, with some styles being more effervescent than others. | Lagers usually have a higher level of carbonation compared to many ales. This is why people consider lagers more refreshing. |
| Clarity vs cloudiness | Beers can vary in clarity, with some styles being clear and others having a natural cloudiness. | Lagers tend to be clear rather than cloudy. This is due to the longer, colder fermentation and conditioning process they go through. |
| Examples | Examples of beer include Ale, Stout, Porter, India Pale Ale (IPA). | Common examples of lagers include Pilsner, Märzen, Bock, and Helles. |
| Fermentation process | Beers can be either top fermented or bottom fermented, depending on the style. Top-fermented beers are usually ales, while bottom-fermented beers include lagers and pilsners. | Lagers are bottom fermented, meaning the yeast ferments the beer at cooler temperatures and settles at the bottom of the tank. |
| Fermentation temperature | The fermentation temperature for beer varies widely. Ales (a type of beer) are typically fermented at warmer temperatures (15-24 Celsius or 60-75 Fahrenheit) than lagers. | Lager fermentation takes place at colder temperatures, typically between 7-13°C (45-55°F). This makes lagers taste crisp. |
| Type of yeast | The type of yeast used in beer varies greatly, with different strains selected for different styles and flavors. Ale yeast is top fermenting. | Lagers use a specific type of bottom fermenting yeast, known as Saccharomyces pastorianus, which is suited for cooler fermentation. |
| Aging | Ales generally requires much less time to age after primary fermentation is complete versus lager beer. Perhaps only several days. Depends on alcohol strength, style, etc. | Lagers generally requires a bit more time to age after primary fermentation is complete. Perhaps 3-4 weeks. Depends on alcohol strength, style, etc. |
Beer types and sub-types
1. Ales: Made with top-fermenting yeast at warmer temperatures. Ales are often richer and more complex in flavor. Within ales, you have several types, including but not limited to:
- Pale Ale: Known for its hoppy flavor.
- India Pale Ale (IPA): More hops and a higher alcohol content than pale ales.
- Stout: Dark, rich, and robust, often with hints of coffee or chocolate.
- Porter: Similar to stout but generally lighter and less intense.
- Belgian Ale: Includes a variety of styles like Trappist, Dubbel, and Saison, characterized by fruity, spicy, and sweet flavors.
2. Lagers: Made with bottom-fermenting yeast at cooler temperatures. Lagers are generally crisper and cleaner in flavor. Sub-types include:
- Pilsner: A type of pale lager with a light, refreshing taste.
- Helles: A German pale lager that's a bit maltier than a pilsner.
- Dunkel: A dark German lager with a malty flavor.
- Bock: Stronger lagers, including varieties like Maibock, Doppelbock, and Eisbock.
3. Hybrid or Specialty Beers: These are beers that don't fit neatly into the ale or lager categories or use special ingredients or brewing techniques. Examples include:
- Wheat Beers: Often top-fermented like ales but can have characteristics of both ales and lagers.
- Sour Beers: Includes a range of styles like Berliner Weisse and Gose, known for their tart and sour flavors.
- Fruit and Spiced Beers: Beers with added flavors like cherry, raspberry, or spices.
Ale 
Porter 
Sherry 
Whisky
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