How To Brew American Lager Beer: From Coast to Coaster – Brewing the Quintessential Patriotic Pint

American Lager as a beer style has gained a truly undeserved reputation. In the mid-1800s, American’s enjoyment of beer centered around higher abv, dark beers, much like parts of Europe.

Americans did not have many options because barley did not fare well as a crop in the colonies and importing from Europe would be too costly.

Importing English beers was also cost prohibitive. Americans were left ingredients that they could readily find around them such as corn, wheat, squash – including pumpkins, molasses, and peas.

Beer went through a downward cycle in the 1600s as consumers were more interested in liquor, hard cider, and even non alcoholic drinks. The Temperance Movement (a social movement against the consumption of alcoholic beverages) took hold in the early 1800s.

However, brewers found this movement being an ally as many focused on harder alcohol and saw beer as a lesser evil.

German Migrants

As German migrants headed into America, they sought political and religious freedoms. Luckily, they also brought their vast knowledge of brewing beer.

German brewers were interested in recreating the crisp Bavarian lagers reminiscent of their homeland.

American barley was becoming available, it was not the same quality as the German brewers were accustomed to back home.

However, using this domestic barley was still cheaper than an alternative. German brewers began embracing adding adjuncts, such as rice and corn, to their kettles.

The American Palate

These American lagers were a huge hit with the working class. Often workers would include a pint or two while eating their lunch in a saloon.

Many considered light colored beers lower in alcohol as compared to their dark beer counterpart.

This won over those still pushing forward with the Temperance movement. As a way to originate the genesis of the adjunct laden lager, the American consumer was largely the culprit.

Halted by Prohibition

As hard liquor consumption dropped some 80%, the Temperance movement sought its sites in the beer industry. As hard liquor declined, beer filled the game. From 1900 to 1913, a mere thirteen years, beer production increased by over a billion gallons.

The 18th Amendment was ultimately passed in 1920. More than 1,500 breweries had to close their doors.

Adapt, Adapt, Adapt

Since a large number of breweries were not making money from their beer, owners needed to become imaginative with how they would weather the storm. Coors started a successful ceramics line, which is still active today.

Yuengling began an ice cream and dairy plant. You can still find Yuengling ice cream today. Anheuser-Busch began producing soft drinks, ice cream, and nonalcoholic beer.

Finally, Pabst made cheese. Much like today with breweries trying to survive amidst the turmoil. Many breweries needed to reconfigure their sales and some even began producing hand sanitizer. It should be noted the breweries, who have distilling capabilities, were the one’s producing the hand sanitizer.

Post Prohibition

Prohibition was repealed in 1933. It became very obvious that the American palate needed some work. Thirteen years proved to be too long for beer drinkers to remember how beer could or should taste.

Breweries decided to brew based on their customer’s recollections of the beer they tasted over a decade ago. Major events such as the Great Depression and World War II both caused challenges to recreate this American lager.

Over time the beer became weaker and weaker in taste. It is still brewed with a large amount of rice or corn adjuncts.

Style Profile forAmerican Lager

Appearance

Straw yellow to pale golden yellow in color. Head will be extremely white and foamy but will not have good retention.

Aroma

Aroma is rather subtle. If present at all, it will lean more toward grainy with slight sweetness and possibly some corn quality.

If hops are present at all, they tend to be lightly floral or spicy. Clean fermentation, but may have some traces of green apple and low DMS.

Mouthfeel

Body is very light, almost watery. High carbonation.

Taste

Quite neutral in flavor, tending to be more grainy. With a low to medium hop presence, the taste tends to side more with the malt and a sweet corn-like presence.

Food Pairing

American lagers pair well with salty snacks such as pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, and tortilla chips. Also, grilled fish, fish tacos, light summer salads, buttered crab.

Marinated chicken, steak, pizza, and brats also pair well. Young fresh cheeses and pepper jack go well together.

Tips for Brewing your own American Lager

Grain

The grain bill for an American lager is pretty simple and straightforward. The base malt is usually 2-row or 6-row or a blend of the two.

This will make up around 60 percent of your grain bill. Corn or rice adjuncts should make up the remaining 40% of the grain bill.

Hops

The IBU range is fairly light with an American lager. Keep the IBU range at around 8-18.

This can be achieved by a bittering hops at 60 minutes and that’s it.

There is really no need for aroma or flavoring hops with this style of beer. The hop variety for this style includes: Cascade, Chinook, Magnum, Cluster, Liberty, or Crystal.

Yeast

Wyeast: American Lager 2035, Pilsner Lager 2007

White Labs: PIlsner Lager WLP800, American Pilsner WLP840, California Ale WLP001

Imperial Yeast: Harvest L17

Dry Yeast Safale: S-23 and W34/70.

Fermentation:

Fermentation temperatures should be in the neighborhood of 50°F (10°C).You can also lager it at 32°F(0°C) for four weeks. This is a beer style that should be consumed fairly quickly, so drink fresh.

American Lager By the Numbers

• Color Range: 2 – 4 SRM
• Original Gravity: 1.040 – 1.050 OG
• Final Gravity: 1.004 – 1.010 FG
• IBU Range: 8 – 18
• ABV Range: 4.2 – 5.3%

American Lager Recipe

Grain

78% 9 lbs 2-Row American Pale Malt (Briess)

13% 1 lb 8 ozs Flaked Corn

9% 1 lb Vienna Malt

Hops

1.50 oz Hallertauer Pellets – Boil 60.0 min

Yeast

1.0 pkg California Ale (WLP001)

Directions

1. Mash at 152°F (66°C) for 60 mins
2. Boil for 60 mins

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Frequently Asked Questions

What sets the American lager recipe apart from other lager recipes?

The American lager recipe is known for its light, crisp, and clean profile which is achieved through a specific blend of ingredients and brewing processes.

The use of American lager hops contributes to a mild hop bitterness and aroma that is characteristic of American lager beers. This lager recipe all grain is straightforward, making it an easy lager recipe for home brewers.

The American-style lager is less malty and hoppy compared to European lagers, focusing more on a balanced, refreshing taste.

How can I ensure a crisp taste when brewing an American lager?

Achieving a crisp taste in your American lager involves a few key steps. First, following the American lager recipe accurately is essential.

Pay attention to the lagering process, which involves fermenting and conditioning at low temperatures. This slow fermentation process helps in achieving the crisp, clean taste characteristic of a good American-style lager.

Additionally, the choice of lager hops and ensuring a proper balance between the malt and hops will contribute to a crisp flavor profile.

Can I experiment with different hops in the American lager recipe?

Absolutely, while the American lager recipe provides a guideline, part of the fun in home brewing is experimentation. Different lager hops will contribute varying levels of bitterness and aroma to the beer.

However, it’s advisable to choose hops that complement the light and refreshing profile of American lager beers. Substituting with a hop variety known for mild bitterness could yield exciting results, while still staying true to the American-style lager essence.

Is the lagering process crucial for making American lager?

Yes, the lagering process is fundamental in brewing lager, especially when aiming to achieve the distinct clean, crisp characteristics of an American lager.

This process involves fermenting and conditioning the beer at lower temperatures compared to ales. The extended fermentation time allows for the reduction of sulfur compounds and other by-products, resulting in a smoother and more refined taste in your home brew lager.

What are some tips for someone attempting to brew an American lager for the first time?

Following the American lager recipe meticulously is your first step towards success. It’s also essential to maintain cleanliness throughout the brewing process to prevent any off-flavors.

Invest in good quality lager ingredients, and ensure your fermentation vessel can maintain the required low temperatures during the lagering phase.

Patience is key, as rushing through the lagering process could compromise the taste and quality of your American lager. Lastly, don’t shy away from seeking advice from seasoned homebrewers or joining a homebrew community to learn and share experiences.