You may have heard the words “Lager” and “Pilsner” used to describe similar beers—bright and clean, crisp and refreshing, and endlessly drinkable. But are they one in the same? What’s the difference between a Lager and a Pilsner? The difference comes down to this: a Pilsner is a type of Lager. In other words, all Pilsners are Lagers, but not all Lagers are Pilsners. Let’s break that down.
What is a Lager beer?
The world of craft beer is generally divided into two categories: Ales and Lagers.
“Lager” defines a broader umbrella category of beers that, unlike ales, are conditioned at cooler temperatures with bottom-fermenting yeast for a longer period of time. This long, cool fermentation period results in a smooth, crisp, and clean beer—the type of drinkable crusher you might enjoy on a hot day or under an Oktoberfest tent.
Though many lagers share similar characteristics, not all lagers are the same. For instance, some lagers are straw-colored and light, while others are rich and dark. It’s the type of yeast and the process that determines whether a beer is an Ale or a Lager.
Examples of Lager
Within the lager category, you’ll find a wide variety of styles, including Helles, Märzen, Bock, Dunkel, Schwarzbier, and others. Dark lagers can be very dark and rich, while still offering the clean finish for which lagers are known. Pale lagers, on the other hand, are often bright golden and straw colored, with a light and refreshing flavor. But of all lager styles, the most prevalent is Pilsner.
What is a Pilsner beer?
When most people hear the word “beer,” they envision a Pilsner. Originating from the city of Plzen in the Czech Republic, Pilsner is a pale lager with a straw to golden color, and a clean, crisp flavor with moderate bitterness thanks to their spicy hop character. Pilsners often have brisk carbonation and pair well with warm weather, spicy foods, and good times.
Examples of Pilsner
We’ve brewed several Pilsners over the years, including our longtime summer seasonal, Summerfest Lager. And in 2025, we introduced a new brew: Premium PILS Craft Lager.
PILS is our take on the European Pilsner, brewed with Saphir hops and Crystal Lupulin for a pleasant hop character and exceptionally clean drinking experience. It has a smooth malt sweetness and a dry, crisp finish for a refined but refreshing beer.
What does Pilsner taste like?
Pilsner is known for its bright taste and crisp finish, which is never sweet or cloying. It’s a balance of spicy hot character and clean, refreshing flavor.
When it comes to alcohol, Pilsners tend to be on the lower side, landing somewhere between 4.5% and 5.5% ABV. Our PILS hits that sweet spot at 4.7% ABV, making it a great beer for a warm afternoon, and something to sip late into the night.
Ok, but what Lager will I like?
It depends on the occasion! Fortunately, you don’t have to choose just one. Grab a smooth Märzen with slight sweetness for a brisk fall evening or a soft Helles to beat the heat. For a great anytime-beer with a hint of hops that’s still bright and clean, try a Pilsner like our Premium PILS Craft Lager.
No matter what you choose, there’s a world of Lagers to explore.
