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First, there are two main classifications of beer: lagers and ales. The difference between the two is rooted in the fermentation process. Lagers are fermented with bottom-fermenting yeast at cold temperatures. Ales, on the other hand, utilize top-fermenting yeast at warmer temperatures.

Pilsners Are Lagers

Lagers cover the color spectrum—some are dark, some are light. As for flavor profiles, they are generally mellow, have notes of malt, and high carbonation. Lagers come in many different varieties, including bock, helles, dunkel, and, of course, pilsner.

Yes, a pilsner is just one type—a very popular type—of lager. The origins of the pilsner style of beer trace back to the Czech Republic city of Pilsen (hence the name). And, like other lagers, a pilsner is bottom-fermented. They can be easily identified by their light color and crisp, clean flavor.

These days, pilsners can be found throughout the world, and different regions inject their own personality into the beer. For example, a German pilsner is typically more bitter than most. American pilsners, by contrast, are generally sweet.

How Do Ales Differ from Lagers?

Top-fermented ales are usually more hoppy than lagers. And the fermentation process for ales takes about half time as it does for lagers. If this sounds technical, well, it’s because it is. Brewing is equal parts science and art. And science is one of the main drivers for the distinction between the two styles of beer. For example, esters and phenols are more pronounced in the warmer fermenting required for ales, and they play a large role in the flavor profile. Esters are what gives many ales their fruity aroma, including the noticeable banana flavor present in German Hefeweizens. Ales also usually have a higher alcohol concentration than lagers. So, essentially, ales tend to be stronger in flavor and ABV.

You Can't Go Wrong

At the end of the day, which one is “better” comes down to personal preference. There’s no wrong decision. Well, not getting your next pilsner, ale, or lager from The Tap on Ponce would be wrong, but you already know that. Just like you now know the difference between the ales, lagers, and pilsners.

Stop by our location in the Ponce City Market Food Hall today to find your favorite beer or to discover a new ale or lager that will soon join that list. Not sure where to start? Our knowledgeable staff can point you in the right direction.

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