What is Lager Beer? Popular Types of Lager on the Market

Lager beer currently holds a dominant position in the global beverage industry and accounts for over 90% of total beer consumption worldwide. The primary reasons for this widespread popularity are its crisp flavor profile, high drinkability, and exceptional consistency across large production batches. For international importers and large supermarket chains, this product stability is a crucial factor as it facilitates long distance shipping and ensures consistent quality for the end consumer.

This article provides a comprehensive answer to what is lager beer, analyzes the commercially popular styles available today, and details the industrial production standards A&B Vietnam applies to export A&B Vietnam's lager beer to over 70 nations globally.

What Is Lager Beer

Lager beer is a family of beers produced using bottom fermenting yeast strains known scientifically as Saccharomyces pastorianus. This specific fermentation method distinguishes lager from other beer types and requires strictly controlled low temperature environments. The primary fermentation phase typically occurs between 7 and 13°C.

Following the initial fermentation, the beer must undergo a critical conditioning phase known as lagering. The term is derived from the German word lagern which means to store. During this phase, the beer is stored at temperatures near 0°C for a duration ranging from 4 to 8 weeks. This cold maturation allows the yeast to settle to the bottom of the tank and clears out volatile compounds like esters and phenols. The result is a beverage characterized by its clarity, clean finish, and refreshing taste that defines the category.

Importers must understand the distinct differences between lager and ale to select the right product portfolio for their market. While A&B Vietnam's lager beer targets the mass market with high volume potential, ale often serves specific niche segments. The fundamental differences are outlined below.

• Yeast Variety Lager utilizes Saccharomyces pastorianus while ale uses Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

• Fermentation Style Lager employs bottom fermentation compared to the top fermentation method used for ale.

• Temperature Control Lager requires low temperatures of 7 to 13°C whereas ale ferments at higher temperatures between 15 and 24°C.

• Maturation Period Lager mandates a long cold storage period while ale typically has a shorter maturation time.

• Flavor Profile Lager offers a clean, crisp, and stable taste ideal for broad consumption. Ale tends to be more complex, fruity, and aromatic.

• Target Market Lager suits global mass markets and modern trade channels. Ale is often associated with the craft beer sector and on premise consumption.

Popular Commercial Lager Beer Styles

The global lager market is diverse and offers various styles to suit different consumer preferences. A&B Vietnam leverages its Research and Development capabilities and a 40,000 square meter beverage factory to produce widely consumed lager styles for OEM partners.

Pale Lager

Pale Lager is the most widely consumed beer style globally and serves as the standard for mass market beer. It is characterized by its pale straw color and a flavor profile that is dry, clean, and highly refreshing.

• Alcohol Content Typically ranges from 4% to 6% ABV and can be adjusted based on OEM specifications.

• Flavor Profile Features a balanced malt and hop character with a clean finish that ensures high drinkability.

• Market Suitability This style is the core product for large volume export orders and performs exceptionally well in regions with warm climates including Asia, the Americas, and Europe.

Pilsner

Pilsner is a specific subcategory of pale lager that originated in the Czech Republic. It is considered a more premium style due to its pronounced hop character and distinctive golden color.

• Alcohol Content Generally falls between 4.4% and 5.5% ABV.

• Flavor Profile Defined by a crisp bitterness and the floral or spicy aroma of noble hops such as Saaz.

• Market Suitability Pilsner targets consumers seeking a more refined and aromatic beer experience. A&B Vietnam can develop specific Pilsner recipes using specialized hops for partners targeting the premium segment.

Dark Lager

Dark Lager provides a visual and flavor contrast to pale lagers by incorporating roasted malts. These beers range from amber to dark reddish brown but retain the smooth and clean characteristics of a lager without the heaviness often associated with stouts.

• Alcohol Content Usually ranges from 4% to 6% ABV.

• Flavor Profile Offers notes of toasted bread, caramel, or light chocolate while maintaining a light body and low bitterness.

• Market Suitability This style is excellent for diversifying a product portfolio and appeals to consumers in temperate climates who desire slightly more complexity in their beer.

Bock And Doppelbock

Bock and Doppelbock are strong lagers with German origins that emphasize malt richness over hop bitterness. These styles are typically amber to dark brown and have a fuller body.

• Alcohol Content Bock ranges from 6.3% to 7.5% ABV while Doppelbock can reach 7.0% to 10% ABV.

• Flavor Profile These beers are intensely malty with toasty and savory notes and sometimes a hint of sweetness.

• Market Suitability These are ideal for seasonal releases or specialty premium segments. A&B Vietnam can produce these high gravity beers for specific batch orders.

Non Alcoholic Lager

Non alcoholic lager is currently one of the fastest growing segments in the global beverage industry. This growth is driven by health conscious consumers and strict regulations in certain markets. For importers targeting the Middle East or health oriented retail channels, this product is essential.

• Alcohol Content Strictly controlled between 0.0% and 0.5% ABV.

• Flavor Profile Designed to replicate the refreshing taste of standard lager without the intoxicating effects.

• Market Suitability This product is mandatory for Islamic markets. A&B Vietnam possesses the capability to produce HALAL certified non alcoholic beer which is a significant competitive advantage for our partners.

The Export Lager Beer Production Process

A transparent and standardized production process is the foundation of quality assurance for any industrial beverage supplier. At A&B Vietnam, the quality of our lager is guaranteed through a rigorous six step process operated on modern production lines.

• Mashing Malted grains are milled and mixed with hot water in a mash tun. Natural enzymes within the malt break down starches into fermentable sugars to create a liquid called wort.

• Lautering The liquid wort is separated from the solid grain husks or spent grain. This step ensures the base liquid is clear and ready for boiling.

• Boiling The wort is boiled vigorously and hops are added. This process sterilizes the liquid, concentrates the sugars, and extracts the necessary bitterness and aroma from the hops.

• Fermentation The wort is rapidly cooled to the ideal temperature range of 7 to 13°C. The specific bottom fermenting yeast is added to convert sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

• Lagering This is the defining phase where the beer is transferred to conditioning tanks and held at temperatures near 0°C for several weeks. This long maturation clarifies the beer and refines its flavor.

• Filtration and Packaging The mature beer undergoes final filtration to ensure brilliance and stability before being packaged into cans or bottles for export.

Why Import Lager Beer From A&B Vietnam

Selecting an OEM or ODM partner for international beer distribution requires evaluating their reliability, compliance with standards, and production capacity. A&B Vietnam was established in 1990 and has over three decades of experience in the beverage industry. We operate as a strategic partner capable of meeting the rigorous demands of global importers.

• Strict Global Standards Compliance We adhere to the technical barriers of diverse international markets. Our facilities hold mandatory certifications including ISO 22000, HACCP, FDA for the US market, and HALAL. These certifications ensure smooth customs clearance and market entry for our partners.

• Flexible R&D and OEM Capabilities Beyond our own brands, our R&D team specializes in co developing private label formulas. We can adjust parameters such as ABV, bitterness, and color to match the specific preferences of your local consumer base.

• Proven Supply Stability With a manufacturing ecosystem spanning 40,000 square meters for beverages, we manage a capacity of over 1,500 containers per month. This scale guarantees a stable supply chain for large orders even during peak seasons.

• Versatile Packaging Solutions We provide comprehensive packaging options suitable for various distribution channels. Our canning lines accommodate popular international volumes including 250ml - 330ml - 500ml formats.

A&B Vietnam is actively seeking strategic distributors and supermarket chain partners across the globe. Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements and receive a detailed quotation for our export lager beer solutions.