The battle of bubbles: Ale vs. Lager
When we think of beer, many come to mind the eternal discussion: Ale or Lager? The reality is that, for the occasional drinker, the choice can depend on the appearance or pairing with their nachos. But, for the serious brewer, the differences are deeper than only color or taste. Do you want to know what really distinguishes these two large beer families? Accompany me in this bubble exploration!
What makes them different? Everything begins in fermentation
Ale and Lager beers are not simply a matter of style, but their differences lie in the yeast used. While the Ales use a yeast that thrives at warmer temperatures, lagers require a cooler environment to ferment. It is as if the Ale said: ‘Heat, yes please!’ While the lager asks for a coat and a cup of hot chocolate!
A little history to calm thirst
Lager beers are relatively new, born in German breweries in the fifteenth century, while Ales have been accompanying humanity long before. Speaking of nostalgia, the Bavarian brewers kept their broths in basements and frozen caves, which gave them that special touch. In fact, the term ‘lager’ comes from ‘Lagern’, which means ‘storing’ in German. So you know, the next time you enjoy a lager, remember that I could have been ‘sleeping’ in a fresh basement for weeks!
The yeast: the hero not so hidden
While Louis Pasteur is a name that resonates in the history of microbiology, it was Danish Emil Christian Hansen who, at the beginning of the 20th century, found the yeast that would change the game in the world of lagers. While investigating the Carlsberg brewery, he isolated the Saccharomyces Pastornus, the show star for Lager beers. This yeast is a hybrid, which means that it comes from the fusion of the original Ale and an unknown strain, probably adapted to colder climates.
Beer genealogy: slightly complicated
The interesting thing about Lager yeast is that unlike his sister Ale, he has never found himself in the wild in Europe. He needs human help to prosper. In addition, its DNA complex, which has four copies instead of two, makes it a bit unique – a kind of privileged figure in the world of fermentation!
The mystery of the origin of the Lager yeast
Some scientists have done a detective job and have concluded that Saccharomyces Eubayanus, originally from the cold forests of Patagonia, is the mother of all Lager yeasts. Imagine this yeast traveling on a merchandise ship from the new to the Old World, as if it were a passage to new horizons. Of course, the trip of yeasts is much more exciting than it seems!
Differences in each sip
Lager beers ferment at lower temperatures and for a prolonged period, resulting in a cleaner and less fruity flavor profile than the Ales. So the next time you try a lager, look for that soft and refreshing flavor. And do not surprise yourself if, during fermentation, the aroma can be a bit … peculiar. That is part of the charm of brewing chemistry!
It is fascinating how two types of beer can have such different origin and flavor profiles. The next time you raise your glass, remember that there is a world of science and tradition behind each bubble. Health!
