Contemporary American-Style Light Lager Style
- Color: Very light to medium amber. The word “Light” refers to light body and reduced calories rather than color.
- Clarity: Chill haze should not be present
- Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Very low but present
- 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. These beers are characterized by an extremely high degree of attenuation. Final gravity is often less than 1.000 (0.0 ºPlato).
- Body: Low to medium-low, often with dry mouthfeel
- Additional notes: Corn, rice, or other grain or sugar adjuncts are often used but all-malt formulations are also made. These beers are high in carbonation. Hop attributes, though subtle, are more evident than in traditional American-Style Light Lager. Calories should not exceed 125 per 12-ounce serving. Low carb beers should have a maximum carbohydrate level of 3.0 gm per 12 oz. (355 ml)
Contemporary American-Style Light Lager Vital Statistics
- Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.024-1.040 (6.1-10.0 °Plato)
- Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 0.992-1.008 (minus 2.1-2.1 °Plato)
- Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 2.8%-3.5% (3.5%-4.4%)
- Bitterness (IBU) 4-15
- Color SRM (EBC) 1.5-12(3-24 EBC)
2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines used with permission of Brewers Association.