How To Brew International Pale Lager: Merging Traditions for a Global Palate

The history of International Pale Lager was not crafted out of ingenuity, but rather out of opportunity.

So it was not some truly remarkable beer that was being created, but instead an answer to the American Lager that was crafted in America. After the 21st Amendment was signed, American breweries were moving toward American Lager styles.

Due to years of prohibition, the American drinkers were eager to drink what was available to them. Internationally, brewers sensed what was working in America. Brewers from across the pond needed to create their version of this now widely successful beer.

We see this time and time again with beer. We also see beer as the common thread that ties us all together.

Bringing Unity with Beer

If you are thinking about commonalities among people in the world, look no further than beer.

Beer has proven time and time again to be the international language that we all can understand, appreciate, and respect. Without trying to get too political, beer really is the common link that unites us all.

The International Pale Lager, often marketed as Premium Pale Lager, is a highly-attenuated pale straw to gold colored lager without strong flavors. Typically they are well-balanced and highly carbonated.

International lagers tend to have fewer adjuncts than standard American lagers.

Similarities and Differences

The broad category of international mass-market lagers range from up-scale all-malt lagers to the typical export lager. They are often confusingly labeled as a Pilsner. Generally more bitter and filling than American lager.

Less hoppy and bitter than a German Pils. Less body, malt flavor, and hop character than a Czech Pilsner. More robust versions can replicate a Munich Helles in flavor, but with an adjunct quality.

The BJCP guidelines list the commercial examples as:

Asahi Super Dry, Birra Moretti, Corona Extra, Devils Backbone Gold Leaf

Lager, Full Sail Session Premium Lager, Heineken, Red Stripe, Singha

Packaging Blunders

Often these International Pale Lagers fall behind the dreaded 8-Ball during packaging.

The skunky taste in beer that has become synonymous with Heineken or Corona has everything to do with the green or clear bottles these beers are packaged in.

The reason for this off-flavor is because of the blue light waves that cause a chemical reaction to the hop isohumulones, which are the acids that make beers bitter. Not even a simple lime can mask the skunk bomb that is created due to poor choices in bottles.

Style Profile for International Pale Lagers 

Appearance

Pale straw to gold color. White, not very long lasting head. Beer is very clear.

Aroma

Low to medium-low malt aroma. Grainy-malt or corny-sweet. Hop aroma may range from low to medium. Spicy or floral hop presence. Clean fermentation. Low levels of yeast character. Light amount of DMS or corn aroma is acceptable.

Mouthfeel

Light to medium body with moderately high to highly carbonated. A slight carbonic bite can be present.

Taste

Taste is grainy-malt flavor with a crisp, dry, well-attenuated finish. Grain character can be neutral. Light bready-crackery quality, or corny or malty sweetness. Hop flavor ranges from none to medium.

Hop taste is floral, spicy or herbal character. Hop bitterness at medium-low to medium. A light amount of DMS is acceptable.

Food Pairing

Burgers and fries. Falafel, hummus and pita. Chicken, pasta and broccolini. Flatbread or bruschetta. Grana cheese or aged Parmesan.

Tips for Brewing your own International Pale Lagers 

Grain

The grain bill for this recipe is fairly basic; think somewhere along the lines of a simple Pilsner or Kolsch. Since it is a lager, a good quality Pilsner malt is where you want to start off.

Pilsner malt will give you the biscuit taste that you wish to achieve with this beer.

There was some conflicting information that I discovered while researching the style. Some suggest 2-Row or even 6-Row being used as a base malt.

Vienna malt is up next to add a little bit of color and grainy/malt interest. Acidulated malt and Crystal 10 at around a quarter pound each. These two malts will give you a nice bright acid along with some sweetness that the guidelines require.

Finally, there could be some flaked corn or rice added. If those are used, use them sparingly since the style guidelines do not call for a heavy corny flavor or aroma.

Hops

The hops really do not shine or standout with this style. Honestly, any hop you have on hand will do.

Keeping your IBUs at around the low teen or 20 mark will suit you just fine. Some Saaz, Tettnang, or Northern Brewer all can work well at around the 15-10 minute mark.

This combination of hops can keep the hop aroma along that spicy, floral, or herbal quality which is what you are looking for here.

Yeast

A clean lager strain will be the yeast strain you should decide to use for this style of beer. WYeast 2007 Pilsen Lager, WYeast 2206 Bavarian Lager. White Labs 830 German Lager Yeast.

Fermentation:

Ferment at 50°F (10°C) or whatever your yeast manufacturer suggests until your final gravity is reached. It is a good idea to increase the temperature by about ten degrees at the end of fermentation to assist in diacetyl cleanup.

Once the beer completes fermentation and after the diacetyl rest, you may want to cold crash it to 35°F (2°C) for about 4 weeks to improve clarity.

International Pale Lagers By the Numbers

• Color Range: 2 – 6 SRM
• Original Gravity: 1.042 – 1.050 OG
• Final Gravity: 1.008 – 1.012 FG
• IBU Range: 18 – 25
• ABV Range: 4.6 – 5.0%

Czech International Pale Lagers 

Grain

• 88% 11 lbs Pilsner, German
• 8% 1 lb Vienna Malt
• 2% 5 oz Acidulated Malt
• 2% 5 oz Caramel 10

Hops

• 0.40 oz Chinook Pellets – Boil 45.0 min
• 1.00 oz Saaz Pellets – Boil 10.0 min
• 1.00 oz Tettnang Pellets – Boil 10.0 min

Yeast

• 1.0 pkg German Lager Yeast (White Labs 830)

Directions

• Mash at 152°F (66°C) for 60 mins
• Boil for 60 mins

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Pale Lager?

A pale lager is a type of beer that is pale to golden in color with a well-attenuated body and a varying degree of noble hop bitterness. The brewing process involves a significant amount of pale malts, which contribute to the light color of the beer.

Pale lagers are fermented and conditioned at low temperatures to achieve a clean, crisp taste, and they often have a mild, balanced flavor profile. Notable examples include beers like Heineken and other similar international pale lagers.

How does an International Pale Lager differ from other Pale Lagers?

International pale lagers have a balanced, clean, crisp taste primarily due to the use of noble hops and a well-attenuated malt backbone. They often have a slightly higher alcohol content and a fuller body compared to other pale lagers.

The international distinction generally refers to recipes or brands that have gained popularity and recognition beyond their region of origin, embodying a style appreciated globally.

Can you provide an example of a Pale Lager Recipe?

Certainly! An international pale lager recipe typically consists of a blend of pale malts, noble hops, and lager yeast. One such recipe can be found on the Home Brew Academy website, under the International Pale Lager Recipe section.

This recipe, inspired by Heineken Lager, provides a step-by-step guide on how to brew an international pale lager at home, ensuring you get the characteristic clean, crisp taste that this style is known for.

What are some top brands known for their Pale Lager Beers?

Several brands globally are recognized for their pale lager beers. Heineken is a notable example of an international pale lager.

Other brands include Budweiser, Coors Light, and Miller Lite. These beers are celebrated for their light, refreshing taste and have a substantial following amongst beer enthusiasts.

How does the taste of a Pale Lager compare to other types of beers?

The taste of a pale lager is often described as clean, crisp, and refreshing with a balanced malt and hop flavor. It’s less bitter than many ales and has a lighter body. The mild taste makes pale lagers highly drinkable and a popular choice in many regions.

Compared to darker lagers or ales, pale lagers are less robust in flavor but offer a smooth, mellow drinking experience which is often preferred in social or casual settings.