Silver Bluff Brewery

What Makes a Beer a Lager? A Brewer’s Guide to Brewing, Styles, and History

When most people think of a lager, they probably picture a pale, fizzy, and straightforward beer. And while they are not entirely wrong that describes a huge portion of the world’s beer, they are only seeing the tip of the iceberg. For me, Jeff Coyle, co-founder of Silver Bluff Brewing, the world of lager is one of immense depth, technical challenge, and profound reward. It represents a brewer’s commitment to patience, precision, and the pursuit of subtle perfection.

A great lager is a transparent beer. It has nowhere for flaws to hide. Unlike a heavily hopped IPA or a rich, complex stout that can mask minor imperfections, a lager lays the brewer’s process bare. Every choice, from the specific grain bill to the multi-week fermentation schedule, is present in the final glass. That is what makes brewing them so demanding, and drinking them so satisfying.

At Silver Bluff, we have dedicated a significant part of our craft to mastering this style. It is a journey that has taught us more about the fundamentals of brewing than anything else. In this guide, I want to pull back the curtain and share what I have learned what truly makes a beer a lager, from the microscopic level of yeast all the way to the pint glass in your hand.

It’s All About the Yeast: Lager vs. Ale

This is the absolute, non negotiable heart of the matter. If you take one thing away from this guide, let it be this: the fundamental difference between a lager and an ale is the species of yeast used for fermentation. It is not the color, not the alcohol content, and not the hops. It is all about the yeast.

British Golden Ale: A Journey Through Flavor and Tradition

When one pictures a British pub, certain images spring to mind: dark wood, the gentle hum of conversation, and the iconic hand-pulled pint of bitter. Yet, over the last few decades, a brighter, more refreshing contender has earned its place on the bar: the British Golden Ale. Born from a desire to offer a flavorful alternative to the surging popularity of pale lagers, this style masterfully balances tradition with modern drinkability. It’s a beer that tells a story of innovation, capturing the essence of British brewing in a glass that gleams with golden light. This journey will explore the rich history, brewing secrets, and cultural significance of this beloved style, offering insights for both the curious enthusiast and the dedicated home brewer.

What is British Golden Ale?

At its core, a British golden ale is a pale, hop-forward session beer defined by its exquisite balance. Unlike the aggressive bitterness of many American IPAs or the deep maltiness of a traditional bitter, the golden ale finds its strength in subtlety and refreshment. It was designed to be crisp and clean, showcasing the delicate interplay between its core ingredients without letting any single element dominate.

The flavor profile is a study in refined character:

• Malt: The foundation is built upon a clean, light malt bill, often using a high-quality pale ale malt like Golden Promise to provide a touch of biscuit or cracker-like sweetness. The goal is to deliver a gentle malt flavor that supports, rather than overwhelms, the other components.

Georgia Brewery Awarded in All Major Competitions: Silver Bluff Brewing Company

In the world of craft beer, it’s a great honor to have our work recognized on the national and international stages. Silver Bluff Brewing Company has had the privilege of taking home medals from four of the industry’s major competitions three years in a row (2023, 2024 and 2025): U.S. Open Beer Championship, the Great American Beer Festival®, the World Beer Cup®, and the Brewskis. These awards are a testament to our team’s commitment to quality, innovation, and authenticity.

Here’s a closer look at the beers that earned their place among the best in the world:

River Delta Czech Pils

🥈Silver Medal – 2024 Great American Beer Festival®, Czech Pilsener Category

🥇Gold Medal – 2024 Brewskis

Crisp, clean, and true to style, our River Delta Czech Pils took home a silver medal at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival®—the largest and most competitive professional beer competition in the U.S. With delicate Saaz hop aroma and a balanced malt profile, this classic European-style pilsner delivers refreshing drinkability and depth that stood out among thousands of entries.

Braunschweiger Weizenbock

🥈Silver Medal – 2025 U.S. Open Beer Championship, German Wheat Beer – South German Weizenbock/Weissbock Category

🥉Bronze Medal – 2024 U.S. Open Beer Championship, German Wheat Beer – South German Weizenbock/Weissbock Category

 We’re thrilled to share that our Braunschweiger Weizenbock took home a medal for the second year in a row, winning silver at the 2025 U.S. Open Beer Championship!