The Journey of Lagers: A Guide Comparing Pils Pale Lager and Ale
Lager or ale? Pils or pale lager? These are questions anyone approaching the world of craft beer will ask sooner or later. Here is a clear and practical comparison.
The Fundamental Difference: Yeasts and Temperature
- Lager: low-temperature fermentation (7–13 °C) with Saccharomyces pastorianus. Clean, fresh profile, less fruity.
- Ale: high-temperature fermentation (15–22 °C) with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. More aromatic, fruity, full-bodied.
Pils vs Pale Lager: They Are Not the Same
- Pilsner (Pils): a specific type of pale lager — light, hoppy, with herbal and floral notes, dry finish. Originated in Pilsen in 1842.
- Generic Pale Lager: a broader category that includes Helles, international lagers, and other less hoppy, more malty variants.
- Helles: Bavarian pale lager, softer and maltier than Pils, less bitter.
Craft Lager Styles to Know
- Helles: golden, malty, soft — Munich, Bavaria
- Czech Pilsner: Saaz-hopped, round body — Bohemia
- Vienna Lager: amber, biscuit and caramel notes
- Dunkel: dark, hints of bread, chocolate, hazelnut
- Rauchbier: smoked, Franconian tradition
Craft Breweries Making Notable Lagers
- Italy: Birra dell'Eremo (Helles), MC77 (Vienna Lager)
- Europe: Buddelship Germany (modern Pils), Põhjala Estonia (Baltic lagers)
- USA: Jack's Abby Massachusetts (craft lager only), Suarez Family Brewery NY
When to Choose a Lager and When an Ale?
- Lager: when you want freshness, cleanliness, drinkability — aperitif, summer, light meal
- Ale: when you want aromatic complexity, body, character — structured food pairings
- There is no right answer: it depends on the occasion and your palate
Discover the selection of craft lagers on Maltese — Helles, Pils, Vienna Lager, and much more. Shipping throughout Italy. 🍺
