All Beer Styles

American Lager

Lagers & PilsnersBJCP 1B

Difficulty: Advanced

Light, crisp, highly drinkable with subtle malt

A very pale, highly-carbonated, light-bodied, well-attenuated lager with a very neutral flavor profile and low bitterness.

4.2-5.3%
ABV
8-18
IBU
4-8
EBC
2.5-2.8
CO₂ vol
1.04-1.05
Original Gravity (OG)
1.004-1.01
Final Gravity (FG)

How to Brew a American Lager

Typical Malts

  • Pale Ale malt
  • Corn

Typical Hops

  • Saaz
  • Hallertau Mittelfrüh
  • Tettnanger

Yeast

Lager yeast (e.g. W-34/70, S-23)

Style Requirements

Cold Ferment

Typical Flavors

light
crisp
refreshing
clean
subtle

FAQ about American Lager

What is a American Lager?

A very pale, highly-carbonated, light-bodied, well-attenuated lager with a very neutral flavor profile and low bitterness.

How much alcohol does a American Lager have?

A American Lager typically has 4.2–5.3% ABV. Original gravity ranges from 1.04–1.05, final gravity from 1.004–1.01.

How bitter is a American Lager?

A American Lager has 8–18 IBU (International Bitterness Units). This is a very mild, low-bitterness style.

What ingredients do you need for a American Lager?

Typical malts: Pale Ale malt, Corn. Typical hops: Saaz, Hallertau Mittelfrüh, Tettnanger. Yeast: Lager yeast (e.g. W-34/70, S-23).

Do you need special equipment for a American Lager?

Yes, a American Lager is a lager and requires fermentation at 8–12°C (46–54°F). You'll need a fermentation fridge or cool cellar.

Brew a American Lager?

Create your own American Lager recipe with our AI generator — automatically tailored to your equipment.

Compare our free AI beer recipe generator with ChatGPT, Brewfather & BeerSmith →