Contemporary American-Style Lager – North American Origin Lager Styles

Contemporary American-Style Lager Style

  • Color: Straw to gold
  • Clarity: Chill haze should not be present
  • Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Malt sweetness and aroma are very low to low
  • Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Very low to low
  • Perceived Bitterness: Very low to low
  • Fermentation Characteristics: Fruity esters are usually absent but may be present at very low levels. Diacetyl should not be present.
  • Body: Low
  • Additional notes: Corn, rice, or other grain or sugar adjuncts are often used, but all-malt formulations are also made. Contemporary American Lagers typically exhibit increased hop aroma and flavor compared to traditional versions, are clean and crisp, and aggressively carbonated.

Contemporary American-Style Lager Vital Statistics

  • Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.040-1.048 (10.0-11.9 °Plato)
  • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.006-1.012 (1.5-3.0 °Plato)
  • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 3.2%-4.0% (4.1%-5.1%)
  • Bitterness (IBU) 5-16
  • Color SRM (EBC) 2-4(4-8 EBC)

2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines used with permission of Brewers Association.

Credit: 2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines – Lager Styles – North American Origin Lager Styles – Contemporary American-Style Lager