Lagering, as a process, was discovered around 200 years ago in Bavaria. Here, it was found that beers experiencing secondary fermentation in casks stored in the caves of the Alps would produce beers with differnet characteristics than ales.

The process of lagering became very popular in
areas where fermentating with cool temperatures could be maintained, although it wasn't until the invention of the refrigerator that lagers really spread around the world.

Over the last several years, flat sales have been seen for breweries as a growth in sales for
American microbrews. Even though a lot of the beer volume from lager is composed of cheap quality product from the large breweries, there's plenty of great products available, although most are from Europe.

European all malt Pilsener
World wild, Pilseners are the most popular style. The style originated in Bohemia in a town that was named Pilsen by the brewery. Even though there are some superb Pilseners made outside this region, the style is frequently cheapened and is also the basis for many beers lacking quality or being just plain ol' cheap beer.

German Pilsener
Classic German Pilseners are very light in color and well hopped, with the hop bitterness being high. It's a well attenuated, medium bodied beer although a malty accent can be perceived. There shouldn't be any chill haze, as the head of the beer should be dense and rich.

Bohemian lager
Lagers in this category are very similar to German Pilseners, although they are more full bodied and can be as dark as light amber. This style of beer will balance the moderate bitterness and noble hop aroma with a malty, yet slightly sweet body.

English pale ale
The style of English pale ale was originated by producers in Burton during the 1800's. The high levels of calcium found in the water compliment this style quite well, by making a more efficient extraction of bitter resins from the hops.

The taste and aroma of English pale ale is similar to that of the English Bitter. The term "pale" was intended originally to distinguish beers of this type from the black London Porter. Classic English ales aren't pale, rather golden to copper colored.

American pale ale
The types of American pale ales range from golden to light colored copper. This style of ale is best characterized by American variety hops used to produce high hop bitterness, aroma, and flavor. These types of beers are less malty than their British
counterparts.

These beers have medium body and low to medium maltiness. Chill haze is acceptable only at cold temperatures.

Belgian pale ale
The Belgian ales are very similar to British ales, although they are more spicy and aromatic - both in malt and yeast character. These types of ales are known by low, yet noticeable hop bitterness, flavor, and aroma.

Low malt aroma and light to medium body are typical for Belgian pal ale. In color, they are golden to deep amber. Noble hop types are normally used, while low to medium fruity esters are evident in both flavor and aroma. Chill haze with Belgian pale
ale is acceptable at cold temperatures.

Pale ale beers are very popular throughout the world, being served in hundreds of thousands of bars. They are also great for social occasions as well, as millions of people enjoy their dark yet satisfying tastes. If you've never experienced pale ale beer - you shouldn't deprive yourself any longer.