All Beer Styles

Pre-Prohibition Lager

Historical BeerBJCP 27A3

Difficulty: Advanced

American lager from before Prohibition with more malt/hop character

A clean, refreshing, but bitter pale lager, often showcasing a grainy-Loss adjunct flavor.

4.5-6%
ABV
25-40
IBU
6-12
EBC
2.4-2.8
CO₂ vol
1.044-1.06
Original Gravity (OG)
1.01-1.015
Final Gravity (FG)

How to Brew a Pre-Prohibition 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

grainy
corn
bitter
clean
refreshing

FAQ about Pre-Prohibition Lager

What is a Pre-Prohibition Lager?

A clean, refreshing, but bitter pale lager, often showcasing a grainy-Loss adjunct flavor.

How much alcohol does a Pre-Prohibition Lager have?

A Pre-Prohibition Lager typically has 4.5–6% ABV. Original gravity ranges from 1.044–1.06, final gravity from 1.01–1.015.

How bitter is a Pre-Prohibition Lager?

A Pre-Prohibition Lager has 25–40 IBU (International Bitterness Units). This is moderate bitterness.

What ingredients do you need for a Pre-Prohibition 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 Pre-Prohibition Lager?

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

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