European Origin Lager Styles
Lager · Dark brown to very dark
Medium to medium-high malt aroma and flavor should be present with very low to medium-high beechwood smoke aromas and flavors.
Reading guide · The complete guideline attributes below preserve the source’s qualifications.20–30
Dark brown to very dark · Illustrative colors on the shared, uneven SRM scale.
Explore styles overlapping this color range6.3–7.6%
Reference scale, not a limit on official guideline values.
20–30
Measured bitterness; perceived bitterness is described in the guideline below.
Brewers Association 2026 · Printed guideline page 39 · PDF page 48. Color graphics are illustrative.
Official style attributes, including what may be present and what should be absent.
Medium to medium-high malt aroma and flavor should be present with very low to medium-high beechwood smoke aromas and flavors. Smoke flavors should be smooth, without harshness. Smoke flavor may create a perception of mild sweetness.
Very low
Medium, increasing proportionately with starting gravity.
Medium to full
Appearance should be clear. Chill haze should not be present
Dark brown to very dark
Fruity esters are usually absent, but if present should be very low. Diacetyl should not be present.
Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.066-1.074 (16.1-18 °Plato) • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.018- 1.024 (4.6-6.1 °Plato) • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 5.0%-6.0% (6.3%-7.6%) • Hop Bitterness (IBU) 20-30 • Color SRM (EBC) 20-30 (40-60 EBC)