European Origin Lager Styles
Lager · Copper to dark brown
Pronounced aromas and flavors of toasted malted barley.
Reading guide · The complete guideline attributes below preserve the source’s qualifications.12–30
Copper to dark brown · Illustrative colors on the shared, uneven SRM scale.
Explore styles overlapping this color range6.6–7.9%
Reference scale, not a limit on official guideline values.
17–27
Measured bitterness; perceived bitterness is described in the guideline below.
Brewers Association 2026 · Printed guideline page 40 · PDF page 49. Color graphics are illustrative.
Official style attributes, including what may be present and what should be absent.
Pronounced aromas and flavors of toasted malted barley. Some caramel and toffee character can contribute to complexity in a secondary role. Dark fruit flavors such as prune and raisin may be present. Malty sweetness is pronounced but should not be cloying. There should be no astringency from roasted malts.
Hop aroma is absent. Hop flavor is low.
Low
Full
Appearance should be clear. Chill haze should not be present
Copper to dark brown
Alcoholic strength is high. Fruity esters are commonly perceived at low to moderate levels. Diacetyl should not be present.
Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.074-1.080 (18-19.3 °Plato) • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.014- 1.020 (3.6-5.1 °Plato) • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 5.2%-6.2% (6.6%-7.9%) • Hop Bitterness (IBU) 17-27 • Color SRM (EBC) 12-30 (24-60 EBC)