# Lager or Ale? What do you prefer and what are your favorite beers? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 22, 2003, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666 "2003-11-22T11:47:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![kmg365](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ec9cab/32.png) [@kmg365](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kmg365)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2003, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666/1 "2003-11-22T11:47:54Z")
What do you prefer – lager- or ale-style beers – and what are your top five favorite beers? I’ve compiled my own top-5 list of beers (both lagers and ales) which really puts a tear in my eye and lump in my throat whenever I see them on tap stateside, or elsewhere for that matter. Lagers: 1. Erdinger Hefe Weizen 2. Warsteiner 3. DAB (Dortmunder Actien Brauerei) 4. Becks 5. Heineken Ales: 1. Boddingtons 2. Caffreys 3. Old Speckled Hen 4. Tetley’s 5. Young’s Personally, I prefer bottom-fermented German lagers, as opposed to top-fermented British ales. There’s nothing like a cold pilsner or hefe-weizen in the middle of hot summer, but that’s just me. I read an interesting article on [BBC](http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1468932.stm) regarding the declining popularity of beer in the developed world over the past several years. Of interest, the article stated: > [@](#): > > Consumption [of beer] is plummeting throughout the developed world, as consumers shift away to novelty cocktails and non-alcoholic health drinks. If you are a non-beer type, what are your top five favorite alcoholic drinks? ---
**Author:** ![Crusoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/49beb7/32.png) [@Crusoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crusoe)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2003, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666/2 "2003-11-22T11:57:03Z")
The definition of ales and bitters is never clear in my mind, but here goes. I’m not generally a lager drinker; Guinness is normally my preferred pint. _Lagers_ Budvar Pilsner Urquell Asahi Hoegaarden _Bitters & ales_ Young’s Double Chocolate Stout Moorhouse Black Cat Old Speckled Hen Fuller’s London Pride ---
**Author:** ![Angua](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8baadc/32.png) [@Angua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Angua)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2003, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666/3 "2003-11-22T12:16:27Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Crusoe \* > > Moorhouse Black Cat > \*\* That’s brewed in Burnley that is - I used to pass the brewery every day on my way to school. 😃 I’m more of an ale/bitter drinker. I like a nice pint of 1)Directors, 2)Fuller’s London Pride, 3)Sam Smith’s Bitter is very nice as well. 4)Adnams Broadside is scrummy. 5)Old Peculiar is lovely. I’m also partial to a nice pint of Guinness or Hoegarten as well. (Try supporting a pint of Hoegarten in your cleavage!! ;)) ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2003, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666/4 "2003-11-22T13:22:14Z")
Both my favorite type of beer – bocks – and my least favorite type of beer – mass-marketed pilsners – are lagers. Go figure. But I am also a big fan of barley wines, stouts, porters, and weizens from the ale side of the house. Top-5 lagers: 1. Spaten Optimator 2. Grimbergen Tripel 3. Grimbergen Dubbel 4. Ayinger Maibock 5. Hürlimann Samichlaus Honorable mention: Paulaner Salvator, Abita Bock, Samuel Adams Double Bock Top-5 ales: 1. Hoegaarden Grand Cru 2. Watney’s Cream Stout 3. Spaten Franziskaner 4. Shepherd Neame Bishop’s Finger 5. Young’s Old Nick Honorable mention: Hoegaarden Witbier, Blue Moon Hefeweizen, Abita Turbo Dog ---
**Author:** ![AngelicGemma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/439d5e/32.png) [@AngelicGemma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AngelicGemma)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2003, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666/5 "2003-11-22T13:38:50Z")
I don’t like largers or ales. I only drink alcopops and cocktails. ---
**Author:** ![sirtonyh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ad7895/32.png) [@sirtonyh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sirtonyh)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2003, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666/6 "2003-11-22T14:38:04Z")
I like lager. Pretty much anything from Belgium or Germany. Most of the stuff from Holland. A lot of the microbrews in the US. Fosters should be illegal. ---
**Author:** ![Fretful\_Porpentine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fretful_porpentine/32/2873_2.png) [@Fretful\_Porpentine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fretful_Porpentine)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2003, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666/7 "2003-11-22T15:06:59Z")
I’m not a big lager fan, although Sierra Nevada Summerfest is very nice, and so was just about everything I tried in the Czech Republic. As far as ales go, my standard going-out drink is Sierra Nevada Pale, but I also like Old Peculier (when I can afford it), Anchor Liberty Ale (ditto), North Coast Red Seal, and … well, anything on special at the local co-op, usually. (I have a bad habit of buying new beers as an experiment, really liking them, and then forgetting what they were called.) ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2003, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666/8 "2003-11-22T15:14:07Z")
I homebrew. I primarily stick to ales due to temprature issues. I make clones of sierra nevada, newcastle, bass and similar. I found a good deal on a commercial stainless steel refer on wheels that I might pick up and start going lagers. I have a sapporo clone sitting in the closet ready for a go. I like beer. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![akennett](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ee59a6/32.png) [@akennett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/akennett)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2003, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666/9 "2003-11-22T17:48:28Z")
mmmm…beer. How can anyone make atop-5 list, it’s just too small. Lagers and Ales both go down equally well, and I could only tell you my favorite depending on my mood at the time I’m drinking. Many of my favorites have already been listed (Pilsner Urquell, Guinness, Becks, Heinecken). Add to those Spaten Oktoberfest, Grolsch (and ya gotta love the lever-top bottle), Newcastle Brown Ale, Duvel, and a host of HefeWeizen. I think I need to print out this thread and head either to my favorite tavern or to the beer distributor! ---
**Author:** ![unclviny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/e274bd/32.png) [@unclviny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/unclviny)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2003, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666/10 "2003-11-22T19:27:11Z")
Beer (drool), My favorite beers: Schneider Weisse original (gold label), the king of the hefe weisen. Grolsch, the old standby. Weihenstephaner (sp?), another awesome hefe weisen. Shiner bock, my favorite of the cheap(er) beers. Other than beer: Strongbow cider, the best thing I found in England (to drink that is). unclviny ---
**Author:** ![kferr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/71e660/32.png) [@kferr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kferr)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2003, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666/11 "2003-11-22T20:02:07Z")
> [@](#): > > Strongbow cider, the best thing I found in England (to drink that is). Stongbow is to cider what Bud Lite is to German lager! For lagers I stick to Budvar, Pilsner Urquell, and similar. I’m spoiled for choice at my local pub with Fuller’s London Pride, Young’s Bitter, Ringwood 49er, Hogsback TEA (Traditional English Ale), and Badger’s Tanglefoot always on. Plus there are 5 other guest beers that change regularly. This time of year I usually go for something dark, but during summer you can’t beat a Hop Back Summer Lightning. ---
**Author:** ![Bucky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Bucky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bucky)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2003, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666/12 "2003-11-22T21:39:09Z")
I mostly like ales, but I won’t turn away from a lager (as long as it isn’t macroswill). Top beer choices? New Glarus Belgian Red, a blend of brown ale (I think) and cherry wine–it’s a liquid pie! Omegang’s Hennepin–Belgian style at a bargain price. Town Hall (Mpls brewpub) Scotch Ale–a good session beer. Sierra Nevada Porter–yum! Sam Adam’s Triple Bock–actually a barley wine, I think. Leinienkugel’s Bock and Big Butt (dopplebock)–none of yer amber bocks here! And of course, Budweiser and Lo-Carb Miller. They’re great for watering plants… ---
**Author:** ![Mumboo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Mumboo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mumboo)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2003, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666/13 "2003-11-23T02:20:52Z")
Bass–England Smithwicks–Ireland Sleeman’s–Canada ---
**Author:** ![DeaganTheWolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/49beb7/32.png) [@DeaganTheWolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeaganTheWolf)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2003, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666/14 "2003-11-23T02:27:10Z")
Don’t drink lager… ale-wise i haven’t had too muc h choice, i’ve yet to find a good pub serving ale in the orlando area… however: Guiness Guiness extra stout Bass Moose Drool Ale Old Peculiar ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2003, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666/15 "2003-11-23T03:01:42Z")
When I lived in Germany, it was nearly impossible to buy a bad beer. I used to really like Budvar on tap, but don’t care for the bottled stuff. Urquell had a sweet taste I didn’t care for, but there was another Czech beer I liked that had a long unpronouncable name that I can’t remember. We have some good local micros and my fave would be Alaskan Summer Ale, followed by Alaskan Pale Ale. ---
**Author:** ![E.Thorp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/898d66/32.png) [@E.Thorp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E.Thorp)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2003, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666/16 "2003-11-23T04:33:03Z")
My favorite ale is Hale’s Cream Ale. My favorite lager is Loki Lager (available–sometimes–at the Elysian Brewery). Is either of these available outside Seattle? I doubt it. You’ll all just have to come and visit. ---
**Author:** ![China\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2003, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666/17 "2003-11-23T12:33:58Z")
What about Anchor Steam, which is an ale brewed at lager temperatures and conditioning (or do I have that backwards)? It also in IMHO is one of the best beers in the world. as a homebrewer, I find that ale yeast is much more forgiving in turning out a decent brew. ---
**Author:** ![Rubystreak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Rubystreak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rubystreak)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2003, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666/18 "2003-11-23T14:59:45Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by bordelond \* > 2) Watney’s Cream Stout I used to work in a brew pub and fell in love with Watney’s. It seems impossible to get a hold of it anymore in the US. Anyone know why? We used to put a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a pint of Watney’s… heavenly. ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2003, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666/19 "2003-11-23T15:06:26Z")
OK, I’m not a fan of beer (except as a cookin ingredient), and I’ve tried dozens of different kinds. I like the smell, but can’t stand the taste. Sometimes it would make certain situations less complicated if I did like it, but oh well. So what’s the difference between an ale and a lager, particularly in terms of preparation technique? Or does this involve a Venn diagram? ---
**Author:** ![mnemosyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c4cdca/32.png) [@mnemosyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mnemosyne)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2003, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666/20 "2003-11-23T18:06:08Z")
Lately, my favourite beer is _La Maudite_ from Unibroue (Québec). We use it in a stew recepie we recently discovered, and I drink the rest, and I’ve come to really like it. There’s a nice complexity to the flavour. Other than that, I’ll take what I can get, I’m not too picky. I am more of a wine drinker anyways. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lager-or-ale-what-do-you-prefer-and-what-are-your-favorite-beers/214666.md?page=2)