What's The Difference Between IPA And Lager?

The world's explosion of interest in craft beer over the last decade is well-documented. Today, there are almost 10,000 taprooms, brewpubs, and microbreweries in the U.S. alone, with more on the horizon, according to the Brewers Association. Of course, with an increase in interest in craft beer, many breweries are taking the opportunity to experiment with new flavor profiles and brewing methods. As Food & Wine magazine highlights, beverages like Belgian-Style Session Ales and New Zealand-Style Pale Ale are examples of new types of craft beers that were added to the Brewers Association 2021 Beer Style Guidelines.

On the other end of the spectrum are older fan favorites like lagers and India Pale Ales, or IPAs for short. Most taprooms you'll come across are likely to have at least one of each on tap, but realistically they'll probably have more of each available. These two styles of beer are recognizable to even the most novice of craft beer devotees. That said, there's still a lot of confusion among beer lovers about what sets IPAs and lagers apart.

When it comes to brewing lagers and IPAs, there's a huge difference in everything from temperature to ingredients, according to Draft Mag. For starters, IPAs are fermented at the relatively scorching temperature of 432 degrees Fahrenheit, while lagers are typically brewed at 248 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, while both styles of brew implement malt, yeast, and hops during the fermentation process, they do so in different quantities and with different varieties. 

For instance, IPAs are known as especially hoppy beers, and that's because they are brewed with aromatic hops that help the beer achieve its signature bitterness. Along the same lines, lagers use what's called bottom-fermenting yeast, which gives the beer a light hue and crisp flavor. On the other hand, IPAs and other ales use a top-fermenting method for a brew that has a brown or amber color, and is significantly heavier than a lager in flavor (via VinePair).

In most cases, you can enjoy lagers and IPAs in the same sitting, thanks to things like flights and tastings. But sometimes, a flight isn't an option. So how do you choose between a lager and an IPA? The answer may lie in the brewpub's menu or even the time of year.

Since the two types of beer are distinct in flavor, it's important to consider variables like what you might be eating alongside your pint. Because IPAs are a bit darker and more pungent, Draft Mag suggests that they're best served with heavier foods like grilled meats and fried foods, especially during the cooler months. When the weather starts to heat up, consider lagers your go-to summer drink and pair them with foods with a similar profile like crisp salads or even spicy foods that could benefit from a light, soothing effect.

At the end of the day, you don't have to be a beer expert to understand how IPAs and lagers differ. The good news? The more lagers and IPAs you taste test, the more you'll understand those differences firsthand.