Malt aroma & flavor
Low to medium malt aroma and flavor may include low levels of caramel, chocolate, or roast.
North American Origin Lager Styles
American-Style Dark Lager
Lager · Light brown to very dark
What to expect
Low to medium malt aroma and flavor may include low levels of caramel, chocolate, or roast.
Reading guide · The complete guideline attributes below preserve the source’s qualifications.Color · SRM
14–40
Pale / strawBlack
Light brown to very dark · Illustrative colors on the shared, uneven SRM scale.
Explore styles overlapping this color rangeAlcohol · ABV
4.1–5.6%
Reference scale, not a limit on official guideline values.
Bitterness · IBU
14–24
Measured bitterness; perceived bitterness is described in the guideline below.
Brewers Association 2026 · Printed guideline page 43 · PDF page 52. Color graphics are illustrative.
The guideline, in detail
Official style attributes, including what may be present and what should be absent.
Hop aroma & flavor
Very low to low
Perceived bitterness
Very low to low and dissipates quickly.
Body & mouthfeel
Low to medium-low
Clarity
Appearance should be clear. Chill haze should not be present
Color
Light brown to very dark
Fermentation characteristics
Carbonation is high. Fruity esters, DMS and diacetyl should not be present.
Technical specifications, including gravity
Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.040-1.050 (10-12.4 °Plato) • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.008- 1.012 (2.1-3.1 °Plato) • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 3.2%-4.4% (4.1%-5.6%) • Hop Bitterness (IBU) 14-24 • Color SRM (EBC) 14-40 (28-50 EBC)