American Style-Lager
Before Prohibition, American brewers—many of whom were European immigrants and inspired by their Czech and German counterparts—produced “Pilsner” types of pale lager, with regional brewers sourcing local ingredients. With the practice of using corn as a source of fermentable sugars in beer dating back to the Pilgrims, brewers continued to use corn, as well as rice, in their brews, which contributed to a clean taste and lightened the color and body of the beer. Though many local breweries closed during Prohibition, the few that survived continued these practices and eventually defined American beer in the 20th century. American-style Lager remains a staple and has inspired brewers in other parts of North America, Latin American, the Caribbean and Asia, who all produce their own versions.| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Taste/Smell | Crisp, Clean, Balanced, Light-bodied |
| Popular Examples | Budweiser, Miller High Life, Miller Genuine Draft, Coors, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Rolling Rock, Labatt Blue, Molson Canadian, Red Stripe, Presidente Pilsener, Corona Extra, Modelo Especial, Tecate, Dos Equis Lager, Pacífico, Foster’s Lager, San Miguel, Tiger Beer, Tsingtao, Tusker Premium Lager |
| Serving Temperature | Cold, 39-45° |
| Glassware | Pint or Nonic, Mug, Pilsner Glass |
| Cheese Pairing Ideas | Aged cheeses, Brick Cheese, Cheddar, Jalapeno Cheddar |
| Food Pairing Ideas | Pizza, hot wings, barbecue, hamburgers, shellfish, fried foods and spicy Indian and Latin foods |
