Lagers are one of the the best examples of a traditional beer. The German-bred style is crisp, clean and refreshing; not meant to be radicalized or tampered with. Although the style’s flavor profile may be described as limited by some, there is real complexity in the world of lager: They can be bright and snappy, amber and warming or bready and smooth.
Lagers often require more attention and care than other styles of beer, as their subtle flavors leave room for infections, flaws or off-flavors to come through. In the hands of skilled brewers, lagers’ unique characteristics develop during brewing, where they’re left to bottom ferment for extended periods at cool temperatures to allow the malt and yeast profiles to express themselves thoroughly over time.
Since lagers are often light in body and sessionable, they tend to be associated with gatherings where the drink is simply an accessory to a good time with friends and food, not necessarily the center of attention. The bottom line: There will always be room for a good lager. These are some of Pennsylvania’s best.
Yuengling: Traditional Lager
Yuengling’s Traditional Lager is a force to be reckoned with across the entire country, bringing notable malt presence to the world of readily available lighter beers. Its amber color, caramel malt backbone and distinct flavor make it a defining beverage in the world of beer. Family-owned and operated since 1829, Yuengling is simply a household name in Pennsylvania and beyond.
Victory Brewing Company: Helles Lager
Victory Brewing Company’s Helles Lager is made of all-German ingredients, providing a wonderfully balanced taste right out of the history books. It is clean and drinkable, with a sturdy malt presence that drives the crisp flavor. Available since 1996 and now in distribution across the states, Victory Helles Lager is the perfect choice around the grill.
Recon Brewing Company: 14 Leatherheads
A classic amber lager, Recon Brewing Company’s 14 Leatherheads is lagered for more than two months for a malt-driven, clean taste. This beer is meant for drinking, with a classic recipe that leads to a smooth finish and another sip. Recon promises: “Simply put … this is a beer drinker’s beer — no frills, just good clean fun!”
Penn Brewery: Penn Gold
Penn Brewery’s Penn Gold has recently been heralded as one of the best helles lagers in the world. In 2017, the beer took home a gold medal at The Great American Beer Festival, and in 2018, it won a gold medal at the World Beer Cup. Penn Gold’s bready and slightly sweet malt presence is balanced by just the right amount of Perle hops; it’s undeniably drinkable and delicious.
Susquehanna Brewing Company: Goldencold Lager
German-inspired Goldencold Lager is not only the first beer ever brewed at Susquehanna Brewing Company, but it also happens to beco-founder Fred Maier’s favorite. Brewed with pilsner malt and a bit of sauermalz, Goldencold Lager is crisp and rounded out with a smooth texture. The beer goes down easy while presenting a smooth mouthfeel and a dry finish. Goldencold Lager won a bronze medal at the World Beer Cup in 2015.
Stoudts Brewing Company: Gold Lager
Stoudts’ Gold Lager is another premium example of a helles lager. Pouring a beautiful golden color, Gold presents a medium body with a flavor led by crisp, aromatic malts and and a notable hop presence. The balanced flavor and modest ABV make this beer perfect for quaffing in the summer.
Sly Fox Brewing Company: Helles Golden Lager
Sly Fox Brewing Company’s Helles Golden Lager is a classic example of the style. This beer, and many others from the Southeastern Pennsylvania trailblazers, is driven by German malts, with just enough Saaz and Hallertau hops to keep it all in balance. The light-bodied beer finishes dry, and is a great thirst-quencher year-round.
Appalachian Brewing Company: Mountain Lager
Appalachian Brewing Company’s Mountain Lager is brewed in the Dortmunder Export style, similar to a helles, but with a bit more of a hop presence. Mountain Lager is golden blonde with a moderate hop flavor, leading through to a mellow finish.
Iron Hill Brewing Company: Light Lager
Iron Hill Brewing Company’s Light Lager is its lightest offering, meant to be an easy-drinker and perhaps a craft beer to convert naysayers to becoming a light beer lover. This beer is simple and light, with a bready malt flavor accented by a bit of hop bitterness. It’s the quintessential light craft beer.
2SP Brewing Company: Delco Lager
2SP Brewing Company’s Delco Lager is a wonderful new spin on a year-round lager. According to its website, 2SP’s “all-weather” Vienna Lager is “the classic everyday beer updated for today.” The 4% ABV, crisp amber lager leads with notes of bready caramel malt, yet is light enough to gulp easily. Perfect for accompanying any event from tailgating to the campfire.
Lavery Brewing Company: Rauch Lager Bier Smoked Lager
Rauchbiers are known for their woody qualities and bacon-like flavor from the addition of malts that have been dried over an open flame. Lavery Brewing Company’s Rauch Lager Bier makes use of pure German rauch malt, which is smoked over beechwood fires. These malts lend notes of smoke, toast, campfires and ham to the medium-bodied, straw-color lager.
The Brewers of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit trade association that brings together leaders of Pennsylvania-based breweries in order to promote and protect the brewing industry in the state. Established in 2011, the Brewers of Pennsylvania serves the consuming public of Pennsylvania by encouraging brand diversity in the market. We believe in the nobility of brewing and hold dear the great traditions and history of Pennsylvania brewing.
Featured photo/first photo: Recon Brewing Company; all other photos, top to bottom: Victory Brewing Company; Recon Brewing Company; Andrew Boyer – Penn Brewery; Jenny Foster – Premiere Studio; Sly Fox Brewing Company