IPA vs. Lager- What is the difference?
IPA vs. Lager: What’s the Difference?
Walk into Boone’s and check out our beer cooler, and you’ll see shelf after shelf of IPAs and lagers sitting side by side. If you’ve ever wondered what actually separates the two, or why your buddy swears by one and won’t touch the other, you’re in the right place! Let’s break it down.
It All Comes Down to Fermentation
The biggest difference between an IPA and a lager isn’t really about flavor at all, it’s about how the beer is made. Specifically, it comes down to the type of yeast used and the temperature it ferments at.
IPAs are ales, which means they’re made with top-fermenting yeast at warmer temperatures, usually somewhere in the 60-75°F range. This faster, warmer fermentation process tends to produce more complex, fruity, and aromatic flavors.
Lagers, on the other hand, use bottom-fermenting yeast and ferment at much colder temperatures, often down around 45-55°F, for a longer period of time. This slower, cooler process produces a cleaner, crisper result with way less of that fruity complexity you get from ales.
So What Does That Actually Mean for Taste?
IPA (India Pale Ale) is known for being hop-forward, meaning it gets a lot of its flavor from hops rather than just the malt. That can mean bitterness, sure, but it also means big citrus, pine, floral, or tropical fruit notes depending on which hops are used. IPAs also tend to have a higher alcohol content than your average lager, and they often have a noticeably bitter finish that some people love and others, well, don’t!
Lager is the category that includes a lot of the classic, easy-drinking beers people grew up with. Think light, crisp, clean, and refreshing. Lagers are typically less bitter and less hop-forward than IPAs, with a smoother, more balanced flavor profile. This is the beer you reach for on a hot day when you just want something that goes down easy.
Popular Styles Within Each Category
IPAs have exploded in variety over the past decade! You’ve got West Coast IPAs (bitter, piney, bold), New England/Hazy IPAs (juicy, soft, less bitter), Double or Imperial IPAs (stronger, more intense), and Session IPAs (lighter, lower alcohol, but still hop-forward).
Lagers have their own range too, including Pilsners (crisp and slightly hoppy), American Light Lagers (the classic backyard BBQ beer), Vienna Lagers (a little maltier and amber in color), and Marzens/Oktoberfest beers (rich, toasty, seasonal favorites).
Which One Should You Reach For?
Honestly, it depends on your mood and what you’re doing! If you’re someone who loves bold, complex flavors and doesn’t mind some bitterness, IPAs are probably going to be your jam. If you prefer something light, crisp, and easy to drink multiple of without getting overwhelmed, lager is likely more your speed.
A lot of beer drinkers actually love both, depending on the situation. IPA after a hard day on the mountain when you want something with a little punch? Sure! Lager on a hot summer afternoon on the patio? Absolutely!
Try Them Side by Side
The best way to really understand the difference is to taste it for yourself. Grab a couple of different IPAs and a couple of different lagers, do a quick side-by-side tasting, and pay attention to how different they actually are even though they’re both technically “beer.” You might discover you have a much stronger preference than you realized!
Find Your New Favorite at Boone’s
We carry a huge selection of both local Colorado craft beers and national favorites across every style imaginable. Our team is always happy to point you toward something new based on what you already like, so don’t hesitate to ask next time you stop in. Whether you’re Team IPA or Team Lager (or honestly, Team Both), we’ve got something cold waiting for you!
