What is Generally More Expensive and Harder to Brew: Ale or Lager?
Understanding the nuances of brewing ale versus lager can shed light on why some styles are considered more expensive and challenging to produce. Both types of beer require careful attention to detail, but ales and lagers have distinct characteristics that make them stand out. In this article, we delve into the key factors that contribute to the higher cost and complexity of brewing lagers.
Fine-Tuning Temperature Control
Brewing lagers is a process that demands meticulous control over temperature. Unlike ales, which can ferment at room temperature without significantly affecting their flavor, lagers require fermentation at much lower temperatures—typically between 45-55°F or 7-13°C. This necessitates the use of advanced equipment, such as temperature-controlled fermentation chambers, which adds to the overall cost and complexity.
Yeast Selection and Management
The yeast used in lager brewing, Saccharomyces pastorianus, is known for its sensitivity to brewing conditions. Unlike ale yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, lager yeast is less tolerant of higher temperatures and can be more difficult to manage. This higher level of technicality means that brewers might need to invest in additional specialized knowledge and resources, contributing to the higher cost of lager brewing.
Demanding Conditioning Periods
In addition to the fermentation process, lagers also require extended conditioning periods, or "lagering," which involves cold storage before packaging. This extended conditioning process can significantly extend the brewing timeline and increase costs associated with storage and equipment usage. Moreover, the conditioning period can vary depending on the desired flavor profile, making the overall process even more intricate.
Including Specialty Ingredients
While both ales and lagers can be made with similar basic ingredients like water, malt, hops, and yeast, lagers might demand the use of specialty malts or hops. For instance, certain lager styles may require a higher proportion of low alpha acid noble hops, which contribute to both flavor and aroma but also drive up costs. The extensive use of hops in certain lager genres, such as German Pilsners, can also make them more expensive to produce due to the higher number of hops needed to achieve the desired IBUs (International Bitterness Units).
Brewing Knowledge and Skill Level
Brewing lagers often requires a deeper understanding of yeast management and fermentation science. While both ale and lager brewing present challenges, lagers tend to be more technical and demanding. This increased technicality means that brewers might need to invest more time and effort in learning and mastering the process, which can also contribute to the higher cost.
In conclusion, while both ales and lagers present their unique set of challenges, lagers generally require more time, precision, and resources to produce. This complexity and the necessity for specialized equipment and knowledge make lager brewing a more expensive and technically demanding process compared to ale brewing.