Beer is an alcoholic beverage brewed from malted cereal grains and is an important part of many cultures around the world. Two of the most common types of beer are lager and draught beer. This article will explore the differences between lager and draught beer, with a focus on their brewing processes, taste and flavor profiles, serving and storage, and cost comparison.
Key Takeaways
Lager and draught beer are two distinct types of beer with their own unique characteristics. The key differences between them are as follows:
- Brewing Process: Lager is brewed using bottom-fermenting yeast, while draught beer is brewed using top-fermenting yeast.
- Color: Lager is light in color while draught beer is darker.
- Body: Lager is light-bodied and crisp, while draught beer is fuller-bodied.
- Temperature: Lager is best served cold, while draught beer is best served at room temperature.
- Cost: Lager is more expensive than draught beer.
- Storage: Draught beer can be stored for longer periods of time than lager.
- Taste: Ultimately, the choice of beer depends on personal taste and preference. Whether lager or draught beer is chosen, it is sure to provide a pleasant refreshment.
Types of Lager and Draught Beer
The two types of beer, lager and draught, have distinct characteristics and brewing processes. Lager is a bottom-fermented beer, typically made from malted barley and often adjuncts like corn and rice. It is brewed at cooler temperatures and for longer periods of time than ales. It is usually light in color, with a crisp, clean taste. Draught beer is a type of beer that is served from a keg or cask. It is most commonly served on tap and is served at colder temperatures than lager. It is usually a light- to medium-bodied beer that has a smooth, creamy texture.
The brewing processes used for lager and draught beer also differ. Lager beer requires a two-step fermentation process, which involves an initial fermentation of the wort, followed by a period of cold storage. This allows the yeast to settle, which results in a cleaner tasting beer. Draught beer is typically served from a cask or keg, and is usually served at a warmer temperature than lager. This allows for a more complex flavor profile than lager.
The taste and aroma of lager and draught beer also vary. Lager beer is often characterized by a crisp, clean flavor, with a light body and low hop bitterness. It is often light in color and has a clean, dry finish. Draught beer often has a more complex flavor profile, with a medium body and a smooth, creamy texture. It is often darker in color, with a more robust, malty flavor and higher hop bitterness.
The shelf life of lager and draught beer also differ. Lager beer can usually retain its flavor and quality for up to six months, while draught beer can last for up to two weeks. This is due to the fact that lager beer is fermented at cooler temperatures and for a longer period of time, while draught beer is stored at warmer temperatures and for a shorter period of time.
Brewing Process of Lager and Draught Beer
Brewing of lager and draught beer involves distinct processes that produce varying types of beer. Generally, lager beer is brewed at a cooler temperature than draught beer. Lager beer is brewed by a process called bottom fermentation, which is done at a lower temperature than top fermentation, used in the making of draught beer. Bottom fermentation produces a clearer, crisper beer than top fermentation.
The process of making lager beer involves the use of a special type of yeast, called Saccharomyces pastorianus. This yeast ferments at a lower temperature, producing a milder, cleaner flavor than the top-fermenting yeasts used for draught beer. The fermentation process of lager beer is longer than for draught beer, usually taking a few weeks.
Draught beer is brewed using a top-fermenting yeast called Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which ferments at a higher temperature than the yeast used for lager beer. The higher temperature causes the yeast to produce more esters and phenols, resulting in a more complex flavor. The fermentation process for draught beer is quicker, usually taking only a few days.
After fermentation, lager beer is usually aged for a period of several weeks or months, allowing the flavors to mellow and the beer to become clearer. Draught beer is usually not aged, and is served immediately after fermentation.
The overall flavor of lager beer is milder and cleaner than that of draught beer, which has a more complex flavor and aroma. Lager beer is typically light-colored and has a light, crisp flavor, whereas draught beer is slightly darker and has a more complex flavor.
Taste and Flavor Profiles of Lager and Draught Beer
The flavor profiles of lager and draught beer differ significantly, with the former having a milder and cleaner taste while the latter having a more complex flavor. Lager is a type of beer that is made with bottom-fermenting yeast, and is usually light-bodied and easy to drink. It is often served cold and has a mild, crisp, and clean taste. On the other hand, draught beer is a type of beer that is brewed and served on tap. It is usually full-bodied, and has a more complex flavor due to the use of top-fermenting yeast.
| Lager | Draught Beer |
|---|---|
| Mild and Clean | Complex |
| Light-bodied | Full-bodied |
| Bottom-fermenting yeast | Top-fermenting yeast |
| Served cold | Served on tap |
Serving and Storage of Lager and Draught Beer
Serving and storage practices for lager and draught beer vary significantly. Lager beer is typically served at colder temperatures, ranging from 38-45 degrees Fahrenheit, and is often served in bottles or cans. Draught beer is usually served at a slightly higher temperature, ranging from 45-54 degrees Fahrenheit, and is most often served in a glass. Storage of beer is also done differently for lager and draught beer. Lager beer is typically stored in cold storage to maintain its quality and flavor. Draught beer, on the other hand, must be stored at a slightly warmer temperature and should be used within a few days of purchase.
When serving lager beer, it should be poured into a chilled glass to ensure that the temperature stays low. For draught beer, it should be poured into a glass at an angle to create a foamy head. Draught beer must also be kept cold and consumed quickly to avoid any spoilage. Both lager and draught beer should be kept away from direct sunlight, as this can cause the beer to become overly carbonated.
When it comes to storage, lager beer should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It should also be stored in an upright position with the lid tightly sealed. Draught beer should also be stored in a refrigerator, but at a slightly higher temperature of around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be stored at a slight angle and the lid should be loosely sealed, as this allows carbon dioxide to escape and prevents the beer from becoming overly carbonated.
Overall, lager and draught beer have different serving and storage requirements. It is important to understand these requirements in order to ensure that the beer is served and stored in the most optimal way. Knowing the differences between lager and draught beer can help ensure that these beers are enjoyed to their fullest potential.
Cost Comparison of Lager and Draught Beer
Price is an important factor to consider when selecting lager or draught beer. Generally, lager is considered to be the cheaper option, but it depends on the brand and quality of the beer. Generally, lager can be purchased for a cheaper price than draught beer. However, this is not always the case as some draught beers may be cheaper than certain lager brands.
When it comes to cost, the key differences between lager and draught beer are:
- Price per bottle/can: Lager is usually sold in bottles or cans, and is typically cheaper than draught beer.
- Price per pint: Draught beer is usually cheaper than lager on a ‘per pint’ basis, as it is usually sold in larger quantities.
- Cost of storage and serving: Lager can be stored and served at room temperature, whereas draught beer needs to be stored at colder temperatures and served using a tap system. This can add to the overall cost of serving draught beer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Health Benefits of Lager and Draught Beer?
The consumption of lager and draught beer can have some potential health benefits. Studies have shown that drinking moderate amounts of beer may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type-2 diabetes, and even certain types of cancer. It may also help protect against cognitive decline and improve bone mineral density. Additionally, beer is rich in vitamins and contains many essential minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and selenium. However, these benefits are only achieved with moderate consumption, and any amount consumed in excess can lead to negative health consequences.
How Long Do Lager and Draught Beer Last After Opening?
Once opened, both lager and draught beer are not meant to be stored for long periods of time. Generally, draught beer should be consumed within 2 to 3 days after it is opened, whereas lager should be consumed within 3 to 5 days. Since draught beer is unpasteurized, it should be kept refrigerated and consumed shortly after opening. On the other hand, lager is pasteurized, so it can be stored at room temperature for a few days, although refrigeration is still recommended.
How Does the ABV of Lager and Draught Beer Differ?
Alcohol by volume (ABV) is a measure of the amount of ethanol present in a beverage. Lager and draught beer typically have ABVs that range from 4 to 6 percent, making them relatively low-alcohol beverages. However, some craft breweries produce lagers and draughts with higher ABVs, ranging from 6 to 8 percent. In general, higher ABV beers tend to have more intense and complex flavor profiles than lower ABV beers.
What Is the Ideal Temperature for Serving Lager and Draught Beer?
The ideal temperature for serving lager and draught beer is typically between 4 and 7 degrees Celsius. Generally, lager should be served a little colder than draught beer, as lager benefits from a lower temperature, allowing the flavours to become more pronounced. Draught beer, however, should be served at a slightly warmer temperature to bring out the full range of flavours. It is important to ensure that the beer is not served too cold, as this can mask the flavours and make the beer taste flat.
What Are the Main Differences Between Lager and Draught Beer?
Lager and draught beer are both types of beer. Lager is a type of beer that is made with bottom-fermenting yeast and stored cold for a period of time, allowing the beer to mature. Draught beer is a type of beer that is served directly from a keg or cask in a pub. The main differences between lager and draught beer are the brewing process, the method of serving, and the taste. Lager is usually light in color, and has a crisp flavor due to the cold storage and bottom-fermenting yeast. Draught beer, on the other hand, is served directly from the keg and has a fuller body and stronger flavor from the carbon dioxide bubbles that are released when it is served.
Conclusion
Lager and draught beer are two distinct types of beer with different brewing processes and flavor profiles. While lager is light-bodied and crisp, draught beer is darker and full-bodied. Lager is best served cold while draught beer is best served at room temperature. Lager is more expensive than draught beer, which can be stored for longer periods of time. Ultimately, the choice of beer depends on personal taste and preference. Whether lager or draught beer is chosen, it is sure to provide a pleasant refreshment.
