Cleveland Breweries: A Guide to Lagers and Pilsners

When it comes to beer, Cleveland has a lot to offer, and nowhere is this more evident than in the variety of lagers and pilsners produced by local breweries. These two beer styles are popular among Cleveland beer enthusiasts, but they have distinct differences in history, recipe, and taste. In this article, we’ll explore some of the unique lagers and pilsners produced by Cleveland breweries, and help you better understand these popular beer styles. Which do you prefer when it comes to pilsners vs. lagers? Dive in to find out!

First… it’s important to know: the beers taste similar!

Cleveland lagers and pilsners have many similarities in terms of brewing process and ingredients, however, they have distinct differences in their taste. Cleveland lagers are known for their clean, crisp taste with a subtle sweetness, while Cleveland pilsners have a slightly more complex flavor profile with a slightly sweet taste. Both are made with a similar brewing process, but have distinct differences in ingredients, with Pilsners having a specific type of malt.

Pilsners vs. Lagers: Similarities and Differences

Pilsners

A traditional pilsner typically includes the following ingredients:

• Pilsner malt, which gives the beer its light color and slightly sweet taste.
• Hops, which provide bitterness and aroma to the beer.
• Water
• Yeast, typically a bottom-fermenting yeast, is used for the fermentation process.

Some pilsners may also include other ingredients such as rice or corn to lighten the body of the beer and add a crisper taste. Some modern pilsners may also use a different type of hops which gives a different aroma and flavor profile.

Lagers

A traditional lager typically includes the following ingredients:

• Malted barley, which provides the base for the beer and gives it a subtle sweetness.
• Hops, which provide bitterness and aroma to the beer.
• Water
• Yeast, typically a bottom-fermenting yeast, is used for the fermentation process.

Some lagers may also include other ingredients such as rice or corn to lighten the body of the beer and add a crisper taste. Some lagers may also use different type of malts or hops which gives a different aroma and flavor profile.

Cleveland Pilsners vs. Lagers

Cleveland Pilsners

Cleveland pilsners have a slightly more complex flavor profile with a slightly sweet taste. Local breweries such as Market Garden Brewery and Platform Beer Co. have made a name for themselves with their unique pilsners. Market Garden Brewery’s Prosperity Wheat is a German-style pilsner with a refreshing, crisp taste and a slightly spicy finish. Platform Beer Co.’s Pilsner is a Czech-style pilsner with a complex flavor profile and a refreshing, crisp finish.

Cleveland Lagers

Cleveland lagers are known for their clean, crisp taste with a subtle sweetness. Local breweries such as Great Lakes Brewing Company and Fat Head’s Brewery have made a name for themselves with their classic lagers. Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Dortmunder Gold is a prime example of a traditional Cleveland lager, with a balanced malt and hop profile, and a clean, crisp finish. Fat Head’s Brewery’s Head Hunter is another popular Cleveland lager, known for its bold hop flavor and aroma.

Conclusion on Pilsners vs. Lagers

Cleveland breweries are known for their unique and delicious lagers and pilsners. Whether you prefer the clean, crisp taste of a lager or the slightly sweet, complex flavor of a pilsner, Cleveland breweries have something for everyone. From Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Dortmunder Gold, to Platform Beer Co.’s Pilsner, Cleveland is home to a wide variety of lagers and pilsners that are sure to satisfy any beer enthusiast’s palate.