American Lager - Light/Standard/Premium

BJCP 01-A

AROMA

Little to no malt aroma. Hop aroma may range from none to light, flowery hop presence. Slight fruity aromas from yeast and hop varieties used may exist, as well as perceptible levels of green apples due to acetaldehyde. Low levels of "cooked-corn" aroma from DMS may be present. No diacetyl.

APPEARANCE

Very pale straw to pale gold color. White head seldom persists. Very clear.

FLAVOR

Crisp and dry flavor with some low levels of sweetness. Hop flavor ranges from none to low levels. Hop bitterness at low to medium level. Balance may vary from slightly malty to slightly bitter, but is relatively close to even. High levels of carbonation may provide a slight acidity or dry "sting." No diacetyl. No fruitiness.

MOUTH FEEL

Very light body from use of a high percentage of adjuncts such as rice or corn. Very well carbonated with slight carbonic bite on the tongue.

OVERALL

Very refreshing and thirst quenching. "Light" beers will have a lower gravity and less resulting alcohol than the standard. Premium beers tend to have fewer adjuncts or can be all-malt.

INGREDIENTS

Two- or six-row barley with high percentage (up to 40%) of rice or corn as adjuncts.

COMMERCIAL EXAMPLES

Standard: Budweiser, Molson Golden, Kirin, Corona, Fosters; Premium: Michelob; Light: Bud Light, Miller Lite.

VITAL

OG: 1.035-1.050 IBUs: 8-22 FG: 0.098-1.012 SRM: 2-8 ABV: 3.5-5.1%