Our Super Sunday Show down; Ale vs Lager

Ok, Well its sunday and it is pretty super as well. I have heard rumors that there is a big sporting event going on today and while looking it up on the internet i stumbled across a great show down of sorts as well.

ALE vs LAGER

Yah well I know it doesnt have the same ring to it as Saints vs Colts but hey; work with me here!

So what is the difference between an Ale and a Lager?

Well Ryan Sloan from AnnArbor.com explains;

What is the difference between ales and lagers?

Initial attempts at answering this question left me with a post that was several thousand words too long, several chemistry degrees too dense, and entirely useless to the general beer drinking population. I decided a better approach was to address the most commonly held misconception regarding ales and lagers.

If they aren't different styles, what is the difference?

The fundamental difference between the two is simply that ales are fermented with a different group of yeasts than lagers.

Ale yeasts ferment at warmer temperatures than do lager yeasts. Ales are sometimes referred to as top fermented beers, as ale yeasts tend to locate at the top of the fermenter during fermentation, while lagers are referred to as bottom-fermenting by the same logic.

So what does that mean for you?

There is one important and practical distinction between ales and lagers that results from this yeast choice.

Lagers, as a result of their cool-fermenting yeast strains, have less yeast-derived flavors than ales, which contain a complex range of spicy/fruity flavors produced by a warmer fermentation. Usually described as clean-tasting, lagers offer a more clear expression of grain and hops.

Ok so now that you know the difference between to two which is your favorite....or do you not care since they both lead to the same end-result?

Ohh yah and who are you cheering for today Colts or Saints?

I'll pick the Ale!