Lager is an alcoholic drink consisting mainly of barley malt, water, hops and yeast. It is a bottom-fermented beer with a golden yellow color and the alcohol percentage is approximately five percent. Sometimes sugar and unmalted grains such as corn and barley are added. They only affect the alcohol percentage and not the taste. Nevertheless, the taste of different brands of lager can be very different. All beers that are discussed come from a bottle.
Beer
Why does one beer taste different from another. The ingredients are always the same but can be different in quality and quantity. The aging, say the maturing of beer, can also influence the taste. Beer producers are often proud of their own spring water that is used to brew their beer. The taste of water certainly has an influence.
Yeast
Not only the water but also the yeast is essential for the beer taste. Lager ferments with the help of lager yeast at a very low temperature. Fermentation ensures that carbohydrates are converted into alcohol and a number of residual products. These residual products influence the appearance, smell and taste of the beer.
To test
A number of tests form the basis for the beers that are discussed. Strangely, those tests show different results. That is why this article does not give a judgment, but discusses the taste of lager and what makes the beer special. Tastes differ and what one likes does not apply to the other.
Amstel
This beer was first brewed in 1870 on the Mauritskade in Amsterdam. In 1883 the beer was first exported to the United Kingdom and Suriname. In 1968 Amstel was incorporated by Heineken and since then the lager has been brewed in Zoeterwoude, just like Heineken. The beer has retained its own taste.
- Alcohol percentage: 5%
- Best temperature: 6-10
- Taste: light, has slightly more flavor and aroma components than Heineken. Neutral aftertaste
Bavaria
The brewery was founded in 1719 and was first known under the name Kerkdijk, the street where the brewery was located. Only in 1925 was the name Bavaria chosen, a reference to the ‘Bavarian beer’ as bottom-fermented beer is also called. A small percentage of unmalted grains are used in the beer preparation, resulting in a balanced beer with a fine, light and bitter taste. A link is in the Related links section.
- Alcohol percentage: 5%
- Best temperature: 6-8
- Taste: balanced with a slightly bitter taste. Comes out of most tests as a good beer
Fire
Oldest brewery in the Netherlands founded in 1340. This beer was only given the name Brand in 1871. Brand pilsener is a full malt beer that is brewed in Wijlre. This beer is popular in the culinary world. Only the best ingredients are used. A link can be found below.
- Alcohol percentage: 5%
- Best temperature: 6-8
- Taste: characteristic refined taste with a delicious hop bitterness
Dommelsch
This beer has been brewed in Dommelen since 1744 with pure water from its own sources. Various types of hops are used, including Saazer hops, which give the beer its own characteristic taste.
- Alcohol percentage: 5%
- Best temperature: 6-8
- Taste: accessible, tasty and refreshing beer with a pleasant aftertaste. Suitable for a wide audience
Grolsch
Brewed in Groenlo since 1615 and later also in Enschede. It is a natural beer and the ingredients are of high quality. The 45cl swing-top bottle is characteristic of this prenium lager. A link is at the bottom of the article.
- Alcohol percentage: 5%
- Best temperature: 6-8
- Taste: pronounced hop bitter character
Gulpener
This beer is brewed in Gulpen by a family business with marl purified water from our own soil. Sustainable barley and hops come from local farmers. The beer is brewed according to the strict Agro Milieuqueurn standards.
- Alcohol percentage: 5%
- Best temperature: 4-6
- Taste: lively, velvety soft with a relatively short finish with a subtle aromatic hop structure
Heineken
The most brewed and most sold lager in the Netherlands. Heineken is making good progress and is a leader in Europe. In the United States, Heineken is seen as a luxury beer. In terms of the number of hectoliters, Heineken is the world’s fourth largest brewery. Heineken is active in more than 170 countries.
- Alcohol percentage: 5%
- Best temperature: 6-10
- Taste: light, balanced and a little sweet. No unpleasant aftertaste. An easy beer
Duke Jan
Craft beer brewed in the traditional way. Saazerhop gives this prenium lager a balanced taste. This beer is a natural product and cannot be kept indefinitely.
- Alcohol percentage: 5.1%
- Best temperature: 6-8
- Taste: powerful full flavor with a bitter aftertaste
Jupiler
One of Belgium’s favorite pilsner beers brewed in Jupille. This beer is also highly appreciated in the Netherlands. It has an aroma of hops and malt with a fruity character. You will find a link from Inbev at the bottom of the article.
- Alcohol percentage: 5.2%
- Best temperature: 3
- Taste: bittersweet lager with an accessible, fresh character
Lion
This beer is brewed in Limburg with the best barley and malt varieties and with naturally pure water that has been purified by layers of marl. This beer is not pasteurized and is therefore given time to mature properly.
- Alcohol percentage: 5%
- Best temperature: 4-8
- Taste: full of character, fresh, a little spicy