Is Wheat Beer a Lager? Decoding the Differences between Wheat Beer and Lager

When it comes to beer styles, wheat beer and lager are popular favorites in the world of brewing. Despite their shared appreciation among beer enthusiasts, there is some confusion surrounding whether wheat beer can be classified as a lager. In this guide, we will explore the differences between wheat beer and lager, and address the question: is wheat beer a lager?

Understanding Wheat Beer and Lager

Typically, wheat beer is not classified as a lager. It falls under the category of ales, specifically a subtype known as top-fermented ale. Wheat beers are brewed with a significant proportion of wheat, along with barley, and they often have a distinctive fruity and spicy flavor profile due to the yeast used during fermentation.

Common Wheat Beer Styles

Hefeweizen: This German-style wheat beer is known for its distinct banana and clove flavors, which come from the yeast used in its fermentation process. Witbier: A traditional Belgian wheat beer that is malted with coriander and orange peel to give it a fresh, citrusy flavor.

In contrast, lagers are brewed using bottom-fermenting yeast and are fermented at cooler temperatures. This results in a cleaner, crisper taste. Both wheat beers and lagers are popular among beer drinkers, but they have distinct differences in ingredients and fermentation methodologies.

The Flexibility in Brewing Methods

It is important to note that the brewing method for wheat beer can be influenced by the type of yeast used. Traditionally, wheat beer was predominantly made with ale yeast, which is responsible for the unique flavors in Belgian witbier and German hefeweizen. These traditional wheat beers are characterized by their robust flavor and aroma, achieved through specific yeast strains that provide distinct characteristics to the beer.

However, in modern brewing practices, one can find wheat beers that are fermented using lager yeast. This variation results in a beer with a less aromatic and flavorful profile. Malted wheat gives wheat beer a distinct cloudy appearance, and some German bocks, such as Samuel Adams’ Winter Lager and Weizenbock, can be made with either ale or lager yeast. These variations showcase the flexibility in brewing methods.

While wheat beers generally tend to be pale in color, there are instances where roasted malts are used to achieve darker hues, ranging from amber to darker tones. This flexibility in brewing methods allows for a wide range of flavors and appearances within the wheat beer category.

Conclusion

While it is true that some modern wheat beers can be fermented using lager yeast, it is incorrect to classify all wheat beer as a lager. The key distinction lies in the fermentation process and the resulting taste and aroma. Wheat beer, typically an ale, has a distinctive fruity and spicy flavor profile, while lagers have a cleaner, crisper taste due to their bottom-fermenting process.

Understanding the differences between wheat beer and lager not only enhances one's appreciation of these popular beer styles but also allows for greater enjoyment and appreciation of the complexities in brewing techniques and flavors.