A Year Of Beer: 4 Great Lagers To Try, No Matter The Season
Whether it's of the domestic, imported, or craft variety, beer is a drink that can be enjoyed year-round. There are hundreds of different types of beer to choose from, with most being classified as either an ale or a lager. The latter of these categories has dozens of varieties, all of which can make for a delicious pour. Take a look below at just four of the best types of lagers to try, no matter the time of year.
Summer: Pilsner
Pilsners fall neatly into the subcategory of pale lagers and are meant to be served ice cold. They can be recognized by their light, golden color and flavor that balances the bitterness of hops with the sweetness of malt. Though originally hailing from the Czech Republic, there are dozens of popular German and American varieties that can easily be found on store shelves. If you have a summer backyard barbecue in the works, grab a cold case of pilsner to beat the heat.
Fall: American Marzen/Oktoberfest
These so-called "March" beers (from the German equivalent, Marz), would seem at first to be a better fit for spring. Yet although these beers are brewed in their namesake month, they are left to ferment in cool temperatures until the fall, when they have traditionally been served during the famed Bavarian beer celebration of Oktoberfest. Today, many American breweries have put their own unique spin on things, producing copper-colored lagers with a rich, malty flavor that couldn't be more perfect for cooler autumn days.
Winter: Dunkel
While many people might associate winter months with heavy ales, there are plenty of great lagers to choose from when it gets cold. Among the most popular are Dunkel, or dark beers. These are smoother lagers that often contain nuttier notes along with caramel and chocolate. Look for both imported Dunkel from Munich or domestic Dunkels from American craft breweries at your local liquor store.
Spring: Vienna Lager
Vienna lagers make for a great transition from winter to spring, seeing as that they have a clear amber color and usually make for a crisper pour than Dunkels. Those who love a malt-forward flavor with hints of toasted wheat and caramel may be the first to crack open a Vienna lager as soon as things begin to warm up.
No matter the season or the occasion, there is bound to be a perfect lager that fits the bill.
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