1B. American Lager

Question 1

Overall Impression

Answer 1

A very pale, highly-carbonated, lightbodied, well-attenuated lager with a very neutral flavor profile
and low bitterness. Served very cold, it can be a very refreshing and thirst quenching drink.

Question 2

Aroma

Answer 2

Low to no malt aroma, although it can be perceived as
grainy, sweet or corn-like if present. Hop aroma may range from none to a light, spicy or floral hop presence. While a clean fermentation character is desirable, a light amount of yeast character (particularly a light apple character) is not a fault. Light DMS is also not a fault

Question 3

Appearance

Answer 3

Very pale straw to medium yellow color. White,

frothy head seldom persists. Very clear

Question 4

Flavor

Answer 4

Relatively neutral palate with a crisp and dry finish
and a moderately-low to low grainy or corn-like flavor that might be perceived as sweetness due to the low bitterness. Hop flavor ranges from none to moderately-low levels, and can have a floral, spicy, or herbal quality (although often not strong enough to distinguish). Hop bitterness at low to medium-low level. Balance may vary from slightly malty to slightly bitter, but is relatively close to even. High levels of carbonation may accentuate the crispness of the dry finish. Clean lager fermentation character.

Question 5

Mouthfeel

Answer 5

Low to medium-low body. Very highly carbonated

with slight carbonic bite on the tongue.

Question 6

Comments

Answer 6

Strong flavors are a fault. Often what non-craft
beer drinkers expect to be served if they order beer in the
United States. May be marketed as Pilsner beers outside of
Europe, but should not be confused with traditional examples

Question 7

History

Answer 7

Although German immigrants had brewed
traditional Pilsner-inspired lager beer in the United States since the mid-late 1800s, the modern American lager style was heavily influenced by Prohibition and World War II. Surviving breweries consolidated, expanded distribution, and heavily promoted a beer style that was appealing to a broad range of the population. Became the dominant beer style for many decades, and spawning many international rivals who would develop similarly bland products for the mass market supported by heavy advertising.

Question 8

Characteristic Ingredients

Answer 8

Two- or six-row barley with high percentage (up to 40%) of rice or corn as adjuncts.

Question 9

Style Comparison

Answer 9

Stronger, more flavor and body than a Light American Lager. Less bitterness and flavor than an International Lager. Significantly less flavor, hops, and bitterness than traditional European Pilsners.

Question 10

Gravity

Answer 10

OG: 1040-1050 FG:1004-1010

Question 11

IBU

Answer 11

8-18

Question 12

ABV

Answer 12

4.2-5.3

Question 13

SRM

Answer 13

2-4