Craft vs. Lager beer: What is the difference?

Beer enthusiasts often fall prey to the combat between craft beers and lagers. Both have their respective flavours, thus targeting diverse palates and brewing philosophies. The distinctions of the craft and lager beers about their brewing, flavour profiles, and production are addressed below.

What is Craft beer?

Craft beer is usually brewed by independent breweries focusing on quality, innovation, and traditional techniques. The Brewers Association (TBA) defines craft breweries as producing fewer than six million barrels of beer annually, remaining independent (less than 25 per cent owned by a large beverage company), and focusing on traditional brewing practices.

Small Batch Production: Brewed in small batches to ensure quality and uniqueness.
Innovative flavours: Brewers are experimenting with fruits, coffee, and spices.
Higher Alcohol Content: The ABV is usually higher for craft beers compared to mass-produced lagers. Diverse Styles: It includes IPAs, stouts, porters, and sours, all of which have different flavours.

What is Lager beer?

Lager is a brewing style of beer due to the fermentation process, which happens at much cooler temperatures through bottom-fermenting yeast, creating a dry, clean, and crisp, refreshing beer. Unlike craft beers, lagers are big brews from those major breweries, making them more convenient and of a more predictable flavour.

Main characteristics of lager beer

Cold Fermentation: Fermented at a cold temperature between 35-55 degrees F that gives it a milder taste.
Light and Crisp flavour: Offers a balanced, mild, and refreshing taste, making it easy to drink.
Mass Production: Brewed in large quantities by global beer brands for consistency.
Lower Alcohol Content: Typically has an ABV ranging between 4-5 per cent.

Which one should you choose?

If you enjoy bold flavours, unique ingredients, and experimental brewing styles, craft beer is the way to go. But if you like refreshing, easy-to-drink beer with a familiar taste, lager is your best bet. It really comes down to personal preference and the drinking experience you're looking for.

Both craft and lager beers have their own place in the beer world, and appreciating their differences makes every sip all the more enjoyable. Cheers!

(Images courtesy: Canva)