American Amber/Red Lager
The name says it all, as caramel and specialty malts shift from the many golden-yellow colors in American lager to amber and dark shades of red, along with aromas and flavors of caramel and other dark malt sweetness. Hop aroma, flavor and bitterness levels will vary from beer to beer within the style, based on the brewer’s intent, but most are malt-forward or balanced. As lagers, the fruity yeast esters are typically absent and the mouth-feel is crisp, clean and smooth.| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Taste/Smell | Crisp, Clean, Caramel, Balanced, Medium-bodied |
| Alcohol-by-Volume (ABV) Range | 4.5 – 5.5% |
| Bitterness (IBU) | 18-32 |
| Popular Examples | Lakefront Riverwest Stein Lager, Coney Island Lager, Leinenkugel’s Classic Amber, Yuengling Traditional Lager, Dundee Original Honey Brown Lager, Stevens Point Classic Amber, Magic Hat Vinyl, Cape Ann Fisherman’s Brew |
| Serving Temperature | Cool, 46-54° |
| Glassware | Pint or Nonic, Pilsner Glass, Mug |
| Cheese Pairing Ideas | Cheese, Edam, Gouda, Monterey Jack, White Cheddar, Pecorino |
| Food Pairing Ideas | Hearty foods, such as barbecue, chili and hamburgers |
