BROWNSTONE MICRO BREWERY
Pilsner versus Lager
At the brewery, we are often asked what’s the difference between a Pilsner and a Lager, or more specifically, the difference between our Doveton Pilsner and the Doveton Lager which we brew right here in-house.
Firstly, let’s start with the difference between the two types of beer.
A lager is a style of beer that is brewed and left to rest and ferment in cold conditions – called ‘lagering’ – hence the name – Lager. There are many different types of lagers including pale lager, doppelbock, amber lager, Vienna style lager and pilsners.
A pilsner, therefore, is just one of the many different types of lager.
All pilsners are lagers, but not all lagers are pilsners.
(A little analogy : all ducks are birds, but not all birds are ducks!)
So, What type of beer is a Pilsner?
A pilsner is a pale light variety of lager beer that originated in the city of Pilsen, in Czechoslovakia. Bavarian brewer, Josef Groll, is believed to have developed the first pilsner beer in the 19th Century. Key aspects of the brewing were that it needed to have a full flavour profile but could also be stored for a long time. Its popularity spread throughout Europe and the rest is history. It’s the specific hop flavour that gives it its spicy, more bitter flavour. And here at Brownstone Micro Brewery, we make our own called the Doveton Pilsner.
This brings us to a common question we get at the brewery:
Doveton Pilsner vs Doveton Lager – which is the best ?
One of our most popular beers is the Doveton pilsner. With a refreshing character, and bitter flavour, we think it’s probably the best beer in the world.
So do we suggest it to our customers?
Certainly we do, but we let them know that the Doveton Lager is also a standout.
So there’s a decision to be made – which one to choose ? Let’s get into the detail.
Flavours of the Doveton Pilsner
Our Doveton Pilsner includes a German malt base and Kiwi Nelson Sauvin hops. The German malt is made from the finest German brewing barley and provides a fuller body, improved aroma and increased beer foam.
The Kiwi Nelson Sauvin is an aroma hop. It includes both distinctive white wine characters as well as fruity flavours, like gooseberry and grape.
Together the malt and hops impart delicious flavours with improved beer foam, a key component in making the best beer on the market.
What’s the fuss about Lagers?
The vast majority of beers are either ales or lagers, based on the specific yeast used and the time it takes to make a beer.
Reminder: Pilsners are a type of lager.
A lager is a kind of beer made with a yeast suited to fermenting at cold temperatures. These yeasts thrive on fermenting at a low temperature. Lagers are generally less hoppy and bitter than ale-style beers, and have a crisp, clean and light taste. The are perfect for beginner beer drinkers.
Why choose the Doveton Lager?
The Doveton Lager is an easy-drinking beer. Colours of lagers can range from light yellow to deep brown, however our Doveton Lager is a golden coloured one.
‘Lagering’ to brewers means to ‘ferment at the bottom’ and is when the yeast spends a longer period at the bottom of the tank. Lagers traditionally were kept to ferment in cellars as the cold temperatures enabled the yeast to add a clean and crisp flavour.
Alcohol Content of Pilsners and Lagers:
Dark lagers tend to have a higher alcohol content, or alcohol by volume (ABV), than pale lagers. Both pilsners and lagers use bottom-fermenting, cold-temperature-friendly yeast, and tend to hover in the same ABV (alcohol by volume) range of 4 to 6 percent.
Highlighting Some differences between our two craft beers:
| Doveton Lager | Doveton Pilsner (a type of Lager) |
| Easy drinking beer with a refreshingly crisp and smooth taste. If you’re not traditionally a beer drinker, and want to try one, a lager is a great way to start, as they are not as bitter as other beers. | Approachable, easy drinking beer – full bodied and increased beer foam. |
| Bottom fermented beer. Highly carbonated with a hint of hop flavour. | Pilsner is a pale lager with aromas of gooseberry, white wine and tropical fruit aromas. A hoppy bitter flavour is present. |
| Golden colour. | Copper colour, yellow, pale golden colour |
Is there a ‘best’ time to drink Lagers?
Lagers are best drunk when they are as cold as possible. Pop them in the fridge to enjoy them. They are one of the most popular beers around and consumed all over the world.
So, get down to your favourite brewery, the Brownstone Micro Brewery, and try out the Doveton pilsner and lager. We’d love to know which one is your favourite!
Contact us at (03) 9771 6000 or reach out to us on the contact form on our website.
