Wheat Beer And Lager: What's The Difference?

Wheat beer and lager are two of the most popular beer styles in the world. Both originated in Germany and are now enjoyed by drinkers everywhere. Despite sharing similarities in colour, bitterness, and alcohol content, they are very different in style. So, what sets them apart?

Wheat beers are ales, lagers are rarely classed as ales

Wheat beers are ales, and lagers are rarely classed as ales. Ales are created through top fermentation, where the yeast ferments at warmer temperatures and settles at the top of the beer. Wheat beers are brewed using a top-fermenting yeast, which means the yeast ferments at warmer temperatures, typically between 60°F to 72°F (15°C to 22°C). Wheat ales often have a light and refreshing taste with fruity or spicy notes.

Lagers, on the other hand, are typically brewed with bottom-fermenting yeast, which ferments at cooler temperatures, usually between 44°F to 55°F (7°C to 13°C). The yeast used to make lager tends to settle at the bottom of the beer, and the fermenting process is longer and takes place under cooler temperatures. The key difference between wheat beers and lagers lies in the type of yeast and fermentation process used.

Wheat beers, such as the German Weizenbier and Belgian Witbier, are known for their high wheat content, often containing a minimum of 50% wheat. They tend to have a fuller body, a smoother flavor, and a more generous foamy head compared to lagers. The top-fermenting ale yeast used in wheat beers contributes to the formation of a more abundant foam. Additionally, wheat beers may exhibit notes of citrus or banana, making them slightly sweeter and more flavorful than lagers.

Lagers, including popular brands like Budweiser, Miller Lite, and Coors Light, are generally light-bodied, crisp, and easy to drink. They are often characterized by their clean and crisp taste, with a dense head formed by bottom-fermenting yeasts. Lagers typically use hops as their bittering agent, resulting in a refreshing and thirst-quenching beverage.

While wheat beers and lagers share similarities in color, bitterness, and alcohol content, they differ significantly in style and taste. Wheat beers offer a fruitier flavor profile and a creamier mouthfeel due to their distinct fermentation processes and higher wheat content. On the other hand, lagers provide a crisp, refreshing drinking experience, making them a popular choice for beer drinkers worldwide.

Wheat beers are brewed with top-fermenting yeast, lagers use bottom-fermenting yeast

Wheat beers and lagers are two of the most popular beer styles in the world. Although they may share a similar colour, level of bitterness, and alcohol content, they are very different in style. One of the key differences between the two is the type of yeast used during the fermentation process.

Wheat beers are brewed with top-fermenting yeast, which means the yeast ferments at warmer temperatures, usually between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 22°C or 20°C to 25°C in some sources). Top-fermenting yeast accumulates and floats on the liquid at the top of the tank. This type of fermentation tends to be faster, but it still takes at least a week or more to fully ferment. Wheat beers, or wheat ales, tend to have a wider range of flavours and aromas, often described as "complex" or "full-flavoured". They contain fruity esters and spicy phenols, contributing to a fruity and slightly sweet taste with hints of caramel, nuts, and spices. Wheat beers have a stronger foam than lagers and are often referred to as white beers due to their pale colour and the etymological roots of the word 'wheat'.

Lagers, on the other hand, use bottom-fermenting yeast, which ferments at cooler temperatures, typically between 42°F to 55°F (7°C to 13°C). The yeast in this process slowly settles down at the bottom of the tank, drifting down like snow. Bottom fermentation takes a longer time, usually well over a month. Lagers tend to be light-bodied, clean, and crisp, with a milder flavour. The word 'lager' comes from the German word for 'storage', as these beers were traditionally stored in cooler underground caves for maturation.

While wheat beers and lagers have distinct differences, it's important to note that wheat beers can be either ales or lagers, depending on the fermentation process and yeast used.

Wheat beers are fruitier and sweeter, lagers are crisp and clean

Wheat beers and lagers are two of the most popular beer styles in the world. Despite sharing a similar colour, level of bitterness, and alcohol content, they are notably different in style.

Lagers are typically light-bodied, crisp, and clean-tasting. They are primarily made from barley malt, with other grains like corn and rice sometimes used in the brewing process. Lagers are brewed with bottom-fermenting yeast, which ferments at cooler temperatures, usually between 44°F to 55°F (7°C to 13°C). This process results in a cleaner, crisper flavour.

On the other hand, wheat beers tend to be fuller-bodied, slightly sweeter, and fruitier. They are made with a significant proportion of wheat—usually between 30% to 70%—in addition to barley. Wheat beers are almost always brewed with top-fermenting yeast, which ferments at warmer temperatures, typically between 60°F to 75°F (15.5°C to 24°C). This yeast tends to rise to the top of the fermenter and contributes to the beer's fruity and spicy notes. Wheat beers often have stronger foam than lagers.

The different fermentation processes and grain bills give wheat beers a fruitier flavour and a creamier mouthfeel than lagers. While lagers are often crisp, refreshing, and thinner in body, wheat beers are sometimes likened to a stout-like meal in a glass, with heavier varieties described as "chewy".

Both wheat beers and lagers can be enjoyed year-round, depending on personal preference.

Wheat beers are hazier and cloudier, lagers are pale and light

Wheat beers and lagers are two of the most popular beer styles in the world. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences. One of the most noticeable differences is their appearance, with wheat beers being hazier and cloudier, while lagers are typically pale and light.

Wheat beers get their name from the significant amount of wheat used in the brewing process. Guidelines state that a wheat beer must contain a high percentage of wheat, both malted and unmalted, usually a minimum of 50%, although it can vary between 30-70%. This high proportion of wheat gives wheat beers their characteristic cloudy appearance. In contrast, lagers are often brewed with barley, corn, or rice, and may also contain wheat but in much lower proportions.

Lagers tend to be crystal clear, with a crisp and clean taste. The word "lager" comes from the German word for "storage," as they were traditionally stored in cool underground caves before drinking. This cold storage gives lagers their refreshing, light character.

On the other hand, wheat beers are known for their cloudy appearance. The German word "hefe" means yeast, and it is the presence of yeast that gives wheat beers their cloudiness. Wheat beers are often referred to as white beers, not just because of their pale colour but also because the word "wheat" has the same etymological roots as "white" in Germanic languages.

In addition to their appearance, wheat beers and lagers also differ in their flavour profiles. Wheat beers tend to be fuller-bodied and slightly sweeter, with fruity and spicy notes. Lagers, on the other hand, are light-bodied and crisp, with a balanced blend of malt sweetness and hop bitterness.

While both wheat beers and lagers have their unique characteristics, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you prefer the cloudier, fuller-bodied wheat beer or the pale and light lager, both offer a refreshing drinking experience.

Wheat beers are often served with a lemon wedge, lagers are not

Wheat beers and lagers are two of the most popular beer styles in the world. While they share similarities in colour, bitterness, and alcohol content, they are different in many ways.

Wheat beers are often served with a lemon wedge, and this tradition goes back a long time. In Germany, wheat beer is known as Weizenbier or Weissbier, and it is usually served with a lemon slice or wedge. This combination is said to enhance the fruitiness of the beer and is particularly common in Southern Germany. The addition of lemon to wheat beer is also recommended by brewing experts, who suggest adding a teaspoon of dried lemon peel to the wort or making a "tea" with lemon peel to add to the beer if more lemon flavour is desired.

Lagers, on the other hand, are not typically served with a lemon wedge. Lagers are light-bodied, crisp, and easy to drink. They are often the preferred choice for a refreshing, thirst-quenching beer. While lagers can have some hoppiness, especially pilsners, they are generally less bitter and have a cleaner, crisper flavour profile than wheat beers.

The main difference between wheat beers and lagers lies in the type of yeast and fermentation process used. Wheat beers are brewed with top-fermenting yeast, resulting in a fruitier flavour and a creamier mouthfeel. Lagers, on the other hand, use bottom-fermenting yeast and are fermented at cooler temperatures, leading to their crisp and clean taste.

In addition to the yeast and fermentation differences, wheat beers and lagers also vary in their ingredients. Wheat beers, as the name suggests, contain a high percentage of wheat, both malted and unmalted, typically at least 50%. Lagers, on the other hand, predominantly use barley, corn, or rice, and may also contain wheat but in much smaller amounts.

While wheat beers are often associated with a lemon wedge, and this can enhance the drinking experience, lagers are best enjoyed on their own or with a wedge of lime, as is common in Mexico, to keep the flies out of the bottle. So, the next time you're at a bar, remember that if you order a wheat beer, you might want to ask for a lemon wedge, but if you go for a lager, enjoy it as it is or with a twist of lime.

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