1A. American Light Lager Flashcards
Overall Impression
Highly carbonated, very light-bodied, nearly flavorless Lager designed to be consumed very cold. Very refreshing and thirst quenching.
Aroma
Malt aroma is low to none, can be grainy, sweet, corn-like
Hop aroma is low to none, spicy, floral, herbal
Light esters (apple) is not a fault
Light DMS is not a fault
Appearance
Very pale straw to pale yellow
White frothy head, seldom persists
Very clear
Flavor
Relatively neutral palate, crisp, dry
Malt aroma is low to very low grainy or corn-like flavor that can be perceived as sweet
Hop aroma is low to none, herbal, spicy, floral, rarely strong enough to detect
Balance is slightly malty to slightly bitter, even
High carbonation accentuates dryness
Clean lager character
Mouthfeel
Very light (sometimes watery)
Highly carbonated
Comments
Designed to appeal to as broad a range of the herbal public as possible. Strong flavors are a fault
History
First produced by Rheingold in 1967. Popularized by Miller Brewing using the same recipe in 1973. Marketed to sports fans with the “tastes great, less filling” campaign. Became the most sold beer type in the U.S. in 1990.
Characteristic Ingredients
2-row or 6-row barley, up to 40% rice or corn as adjuncts
Style comparison
A lighter-bodied, lower-alcohol, lower calorie version of an American Lager. Less hop character and bitterness than a Leichtbier.
Vital Statistics
IBUs: 8-12 SRM: 2-3 OG: 1.028-1.040 FG: 0.998-1.008 ABV: 2.8-4.2%