Ales Or Lagers?, Which Do You Prefer?

[mje1980]

Ok, who likes what??. I brew mainly bitters around 4%, but i alternate buying bags of pils malt, then when it runs out i buy a bag of Maris otter. I like brewing lagers and other beers, but my fave is bitters, and it seems like i havent brewed one for ages, as im halfway through a bag of pils now.

P.S i tried to do a poll, but it didn't work

 

[Samwise Gamgee]

Ales have been my favourite so far.

I've got Lager yeasts, but haven't brewed a proper Lager yet.

 

[DJR]

Lagers. Haven't brewed a proper ale yet besides lager-style beers brewed using US56. One of these days i'll brew a stout or decent pale ale but for now lagers are the go, and the weather's perfect. I have a lager going at 8C and it's not even in the fridge.

 

[Stuster]

Ales.

But my first proper lager is currently fermenting happily, so I am trying to keep my mind open.

 

[[email protected]]

Ales... Certainly based on what I buy and brew. Being a newby I have found the ales more forgiving - temp-wise.

Just like Stuster, I've got my first lager on the go at 12c out in the shed.

I would love to have my mind changed... but I think I might have blown it after I left the heater belt on after Aus v Italy.

 

[Trent]

Definitely ales
I find them the most forgiving, and the easiest to make as far as timewise (week in primary, week in secondary, straight into bottle), but will be making a double batch of German Pils in a few weeks for my first attempt at a lager. After the july case swap beers come through, I will be pinching some Cal Common yeast to do a few of those, may aswell take advantage of the cooler weather.
All the best
Trent

 

[philmac]

I prefer ales, not only because they are my taste buds' favourites but I find temp control in summer and
winter easier. I don't have an easy means of maintaining higher temps in winter for lagers (last night was
minus 5). So if I am looking at a lager to ferment around the 7 degree mark, 18 degree days and minus
nights make it more difficult.

Even in our hot summers, the temp controlled fridge makes any ale temp easy and constant.

Having said that I've just pinched SWMBO's electric blanket and am attempting my first Oktoberfest.

Cheers,
Phil

 

[jimmy01]

My favourites are Pale Ales and Wheat Beers. Had pretty good success
Dont mind the occassional Porter - but I'm yet to nail one

Had a go at a pilsner. Went a bit crazy with the Saaz hops though. Trying again next brew day but toning down the hops


Dave

 

[Tony]

i like both and brew both.

I have lagers in a fridge brewing and cc' ing away and an ale brewing next to the lager fridge.

In summer i tend to like a lager but a 4.5% bitter with a dry english ale yeast is great.

dunkelweizen is a fav and im experimenting with other non german wheat beers. I like the light fluffy character a wheat beer has. its easy to drink...... too easy

I love a malty lager. I tried 2206 but it was to heavy. I have used WLP833 in several different beer styles now and its great. I have tried the chech pils, americam pils, 34/70, S23, and others i cant remember right now and this yeast wins hands down.

It will attenuate to 80% but leave a malty finish and it settles out like S-04. clear beer in the keg in a week of CC'ing without filtering.

mmmmmmmm im going for another CAP made with it right now

cheers

 

[bindi]

ALE, lager ? is that a beer <_< ? Afraid of taste are we? Boring fizz, I am yet to taste one I like, like Batz and wheat . Flame suit on and don't care <_< .

 

[Stuster]

Mods, can we add a poll to this thread as Trent intended.

 

[Duff]

I brew both, but I think lagers are where you truely find what level where your brewing skills are at. You can't hide faults in a lager.

All good fun trying though.

Cheers.

EDIT: BM's improper wording...

 

[matti]

Having a bitter as I "speak" but A lager ccing.
Cold winter night in front open fire Bitter and Darts my favorite.
Hot day or hard day at work lager for thirst quencher.
Happy brewing dates

 

[Ducatiboy stu]

Definatly Ale, mainly cause of the temp.

Love brewing Porter, it is my favourite beer, but have lately managed to get English Bitter worked out.

But my latest SAAZ Pale Ale, at 27 IBU is turning out awsome.... :super:

 

[Ash in Perth]

I love most ales, and especially some types. a good lager style, or a well made pale lager even can be as good sometimes.

I would still call myself an ale brewer and drinker and probably always will be.

 

[Jazman]

easy lagers with lots of hops

when u work in a hot factoery and handle steel in 40 deg weather u dont wont a thick stout or ale u want a beer with malt and hops that u slam down your throat

 

[Batz]

Batz

 

[Tony]

thats it jaz.

I love lagers for drinking.

Ales for sipping after a big feed or when im sick and cant drink as much

I do agree with the coment on hiding faults in ales.

I had lots of problems brewing good lagers. They never seemed as good, but now i have got on top of grist issues, better at decoction mashing and a constnt temp for firment.

My lagers are comming out better than my ales now.

cheers

 

[Pumpy]

Nice wun Batz "

I agree Duff

"your not a real brewer until you have brewed a good lager" .

I love ales but I have beer suprised what good results you can get brewing lagers my lagers seem to have a lot of flavour which I enjoy .

Pumpy

 

[MVZOOM]

I reckon that I appreciate both, for what they are and have different preferences based on mood, temperature etc.. Having recently actually brewed a decent Heritage Lager, with good yeast and decent temp control, they're a bit of a revelation to me - really like that crisp, dry finish.

However, next in the keg fridge will be the Sparkling Ale and I look forward to a nice, strong and tasty beer which will be forthcoming shortly.

Cheers - Mike