The Beer Family
Pils is lager To understand Pils, Ale and Lager, you first have to look at the family tree. In the world of beer, there are two main "kingdoms": Ales and Lagers . Source: USA Beer Ratings The Fundamental Difference: Yeast The distinction between an Ale and a Lager comes down to the microscopic behavior of the yeast during fermentation. Ales (Top-Fermenting): Use Saccharomyces cerevisiae . This yeast thrives at warmer temperatures (60–75°F) and gathers at the top of the tank. The warmth causes the yeast to produce esters , which give ales their fruity, spicy, or robust aromas. Lagers (Bottom-Fermenting): Use Saccharomyces pastorianus . This yeast likes it cold (35–55°F) and sinks to the bottom. Because it works slowly in the cold, it produces fewer byproducts, leading to a "cleaner" taste where the malt and hops shine without fruity interference. Comparison at a Glance Feature Ale Lager Pilsner (A specific Lager) Fermentation Warm & Fast (1–2 weeks) Cold ...