Beer styles

Question 1

Describe the aroma of American Light Lager

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Describe the appearance of American Light Lager

Answer 2

Very pale straw to pale yellow color. White, frothy head seldom persists. Very clear.

Question 3

Describe the flavor of American Light Lager

Answer 3

Relatively neutral palate with a crisp and dry finish and a low to very low grainy or corn-like flavor that might be perceived as sweetness due to the low bitterness. Hop flavor ranges from none to low levels, and can have a floral, spicy, or herbal quality (although rarely strong enough to detect). Low to very low hop bitterness. 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 4

Describe the mouthfeel of American Light Lager

Answer 4

Very light (sometimes watery) body. Very highly carbonated with slight carbonic bite on the tongue.

Question 5

What is the overall impression of American Light Lager

Answer 5

Highly carbonated, very light-bodied, nearly flavorless lager designed to be consumed very cold. Very refreshing and thirst quenching.

Question 6

General comments about American Light Lager

Answer 6

Designed to appeal to as broad a range of the general public as possible. Strong flavors are a fault.

Question 7

What is the history of American Light Lager

Answer 7

Coors briefly made a light lager in the early 1940s. Modern versions were first produced by Rheingold in 1967 to appeal to diet-conscious drinkers, but only became popular starting in 1973 after Miller Brewing acquired the recipe and marketed the beer heavily to sports fans with the “tastes great, less filling” campaign. Beers of this genre became the largest sellers in the United States in the 1990s.

Question 8

What are the ingredients of American Light Lager?

Answer 8

Two- or six-row barley with high percentage (up to 40%) of rice or corn as adjuncts. Additional enzymes can further lighten the body and lower carbohydrates.

Question 9

What is a comparison of American Light Lager

Answer 9

A lighter-bodied, lower-alcohol, lower calorie version of an American Lager. Less hop character and bitterness than a Leichtbier.

Question 10

Commercial examples of American Light Lager?

Answer 10

Bud Light, Coors Light, Keystone Light, Michelob Light, Miller Lite, Old Milwaukee Light

Question 11

What is the Original Gravity Range for American Light Lager?

Answer 11

OG: 1.028-1.040

Question 12

What is the Final Gravity Range of American Light Lager?

Answer 12

FG: 0.998-1.008

Question 13

What is the IBU Range for American Light Lager?

Answer 13

IBU: 8-12

Question 14

What is the SRM Range for American Light Lager?

Answer 14

SRM: 2-3

Question 15

What is the ABV Range for American Light Lager?

Answer 15

ABV: 2.8-4.2