Beer, Lager, And Cider: What Sets Them Apart?

Beer, lager, and cider are all alcoholic drinks, but what's the difference? Well, the major difference lies in their ingredients and how they are made. Beer is made from fermented grains, mainly barley and hops, and is brewed with malt, yeast, and hops. Lager is a type of beer that is brewed and fermented at a lower temperature, while ale is brewed and fermented at a higher temperature. Cider, on the other hand, is made from fermented apple juice and does not contain malt or hops. It is closer to wine than beer, as it uses similar yeast strains and contains fermented fruit.

Differences between Beer, Lager and Cider

Ingredients: Beer is made from malted barley, cider from apple juice

The most significant difference between beer and cider is their ingredients. Beer is typically made from malted barley, while cider is made from apple juice.

Beer is produced by brewing and fermenting malted barley, which gives beer its classic flavour. Hops are also commonly added to beer for flavouring and preservation. On the other hand, cider is made by fermenting the natural sugars in apple juice to create alcohol. While cider is often associated with alcoholic drinks, it can also be non-alcoholic. This non-alcoholic version is simply apple juice.

The type of yeast used in the fermentation process is another differentiator between beer and cider. Beer often uses lager or ale yeast, while cider tends to use wine or champagne yeast strains, known as "cider yeasts".

It is worth noting that while beer can contain fruit and other ingredients, true cider does not contain malted grains.

Process: Beer is brewed and fermented, cider is just fermented

Beer and cider are two of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the world. While beer is consumed more than cider, the popularity of cider has been on the rise in recent years. The two drinks differ in terms of their ingredients, production processes, colours, flavours, alcohol and sugar content, and health benefits.

Production Process

Beer is produced by brewing and fermenting malted barley and hops, which gives beer its classic flavour. The majority of beer is created by brewing and fermenting malted barley, although it can also contain fruit and other ingredients. The alcohol level of beer can vary and you can also get alcohol-free beer.

On the other hand, cider is made from the fermentation of apple juice, which converts the natural sugars to alcohol. Cider can also be made from pears, in which case it is called perry. Cider can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic. The process of making cider is much more similar to winemaking than brewing, as cider makers are "listening to the apples and trying to find out what the cider wants to become based on the blend of apples that they are using".

Brewing vs Fermenting

Brewing is a specific type of fermentation that involves steeping a mixture of grains in water to make a solution called wort. This solution is then boiled, and hops are added to create the desired flavour profile. Finally, yeast is added to start the fermentation process, which converts the sugars in the wort into alcohol.

Fermentation, on the other hand, is a metabolic process in which an organism converts a carbohydrate, such as starch or sugar, into an acid or an alcohol. In the context of beer and cider production, fermentation refers to the process of converting sugars into alcohol using yeast.

Colour: Beer comes in pale, dark and very dark colours, cider is lighter

Beer and cider differ in colour, with beer coming in pale, dark, and very dark colours, while cider is lighter. The colour of beer depends on the malt used in the brewing process, with pale amber hues coming from pale malts, dark beers from a lager malt base or a mix of pale and dark malts, and very dark beers from patent malts. Beer colours can range from light amber to rich brown.

Cider, on the other hand, comes in a variety of lighter colours, including pale yellow, orange, and brown. The colour of cider depends on the apple varieties used and the intensity of colour in the apple pulp and skin. Cider can also be flavoured with other fruits, which can add to its colour. For example, modern mass-produced ciders can resemble sparkling wine in appearance, while more traditional ciders tend to be darker and cloudier.

The clarity of cider can also vary, ranging from completely clear to very cloudy. This variation is due to the level of filtering between the pressing and fermentation stages.

Flavour: Cider comes in two types—dry and sweet. Beer is either lager or ale

Cider is made from the fermented juice of apples, and its flavour can vary from dry to sweet. The dryness or sweetness of cider is determined by the amount of sugar and alcohol content in the drink. Sweeter ciders are produced by slowly fermenting the juice and repeatedly racking it to strain the yeast that feeds on the natural sugars. This process results in higher sugar content and a lower alcohol content. On the other hand, dryer ciders are made by allowing the yeast to consume more of the natural sugars, resulting in a less sweet taste and higher alcohol content.

Beer, on the other hand, is classified into two main categories: lager and ale. Lager is brewed at a low temperature and is known for its crisp and refreshing taste. It often has a lighter character, less intense bitterness, and more subdued flavours compared to ale. Ale, on the other hand, is brewed at a higher temperature and can be further categorised into different types, such as sour ale, stout, or porter. Ales tend to have a heavier body, more intense flavours, and are usually served at warmer temperatures than lagers.

The flavour profiles of cider and beer can vary significantly due to the different ingredients and production processes used. The type of apples, fermentation methods, and additional flavourings used in cider production can create a range of sweet to dry flavours. Meanwhile, the choice of grains, hops, yeast strains, and brewing techniques used in beer production contribute to the distinct flavour profiles of lagers and ales.

Alcohol Content: Cider can be non-alcoholic, beer always contains alcohol

Alcohol content is another key difference between cider and beer. While cider can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic, beer always contains alcohol.

Cider is made by fermenting apple juice, a process that converts the natural sugars in the juice into alcohol. However, it is possible to find alcohol-free ciders, which are a great option for those looking to reduce their alcohol intake or who need to stay sober while driving or at events. These non-alcoholic ciders go through additional processes to remove the alcohol while retaining the flavours of traditional cider.

On the other hand, beer is primarily made by brewing and fermenting malted barley and hops, and the alcohol level can vary. The majority of beers contain alcohol, but there are also alcohol-free options available. These beers are designed to match the taste, look, and feel of standard beers, and advances in production technology have improved their flavour. However, it is important to note that even alcohol-free beers may contain trace amounts of alcohol, typically up to 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV).

The presence of alcohol in beer means that it may not be suitable for certain individuals or situations where alcohol is not desired or recommended, such as pregnancy or recovery from addiction. In such cases, non-alcoholic cider can be a good alternative, providing a similar drinking experience without the intoxicating effects.

While both cider and beer offer a range of options in terms of alcohol content, it is essential to read labels carefully and be aware of personal preferences and health considerations when making a choice between these beverages.

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