What's the difference between beer & lager?

What’s the difference between beer and lager? It might seem like splitting hairs, but trust us, the devil is in the beery details. In this article, we’ll give you the lowdown on beer vs lager, including how pilsner fits into the picture, so you can settle the debate once and for all.

What is lager?

When we think of lager beer, we tend to think of a light, refreshing, easy-to-drink beer at around 5% alcohol. Depending on where you are, it can also be referred to as pilsner, helles, Märzen or simply lager.

In reality, there's more to lager than meets the eye. It's actually a collective name for many bottom-fermenting beer styles, ranging from dark and rich to light and crisp, with alcohol percentages spanning from zero to double digits.

Is lager beer?

In short, all lager is beer, but not all beer is lager.

Beer is the umbrella term. Lager is one category within it, defined by fermentation method. Styles such as pilsner, helles lager, Dortmunder, bock and Märzen all belong to the lager family.

This distinction is at the heart of the difference between beer and lager.

Pilsner vs lager: what’s the difference?

One of the most common questions is pilsner vs lager — or just as often, lager vs pilsner.

A pilsner is a type of lager, named after the Czech city of Plzeň. The main difference between pilsner and lager lies in flavour and balance. Pilsners tend to be more hop-forward, drier and spicier, and they use specific yeast strains that accentuate crisp bitterness.

In simple terms: pilsners are hoppier, sharper lagers.

What is a Pilsner?

So, what is a pilsner exactly?

A pilsner is a dry, crisp and refreshing lager with pronounced hop character. It’s often described as “a harmonic link between the old and the new world”, combining balance, bitterness and drinkability.

Pilsner was first brewed in 1842 by Bavarian brewer Josef Groll. Dissatisfied with the quality of Czech lager at the time, Groll brought Bavarian lager yeast to Plzeň. Combined with the city’s soft water, it produced a clear, golden beer that quickly became iconic.

That beer still exists today: Pilsner Urquell. A great place to start if you want to explore the style.

If you want to dive deeper, check out our guide to Czech beer.

How Is lager made?

Lager is brewed using a precise and patient process. It starts with water, barley malt, hops and lager yeast. After milling and mashing, brewers create a sugary liquid called wort, which is then boiled with hops for flavour and stability.

Once cooled, lager yeast is added and fermentation takes place at cooler temperatures. After primary fermentation, the beer undergoes lagering, a conditioning period lasting weeks or even months at near-freezing temperatures. This step gives lager its signature clarity and clean, crisp finish.

What yeast do lagers use?

Lagers use lager yeast, scientifically known as Saccharomyces pastorianus. This bottom-fermenting yeast works best at cooler temperatures, typically between 7–13°C (44–55°F).

Its slow, cold fermentation produces fewer fruity esters, which is why lager beer tastes clean, smooth and refreshing compared to many ales.

The history of lager brewing

The word lager comes from the German lagern, meaning “to store”. Historically, bottom-fermenting beers needed extended cold storage after fermentation — a process now known as lagering.

Even before brewers understood yeast scientifically, they knew fermentation leftovers could be reused, producing consistent and reliable beer. That tradition laid the foundation for modern lager brewing.

Different types of lager beer?

There’s far more variety in lager than many people expect. Popular styles include:

• Bock – a strong, malt-forward lager, such as Weihenstephaner Korbinian

• Dunkel – a dark Bavarian lager with sweet, malty notes

• Schwarzbier – dry, dark and roasted, similar to Czech Černé

• Helles – pale, clean and slightly malty; Bavaria’s answer to pilsner

• Märzen – amber-coloured, gently caramelised and traditionally linked to Oktoberfest

• Vienna lager – slightly sweeter and fuller than helles, with caramelised malt

• American-style lager – often inspired by Vienna lager but with extra hops

• Japanese lager – crisp, dry and highly refreshing

Hopefully, you’re now clear on the difference between beer and lager, and where pilsner fits into the mix. Next time the topic comes up, you’ll know exactly how to explain pilsner vs lager without hesitation.

Tip: ever tried a lager top? It’s lager topped with a splash of lemonade. For more creative serves, explore our beer cocktails.