Which statement about lager fermentation is true?

Which statement about lager fermentation is true?

• A. Lagers ferment at warmer temperatures than ales
• B. Lagers ferment at cooler temperatures than ales
• C. Lagers ferment with no yeast
• D. Lagers ferment faster

Answer: (B)

Fermentation temperature is a key factor that shapes beer styles. Lager yeast works best at cooler temperatures than ale yeast, typically in the roughly 7–13°C (45–55°F) range, and it ferments more slowly. That cooler, slower process suppresses fruity esters and higher alcohols, giving lagers their clean, crisp character. So the statement that lagers ferment at cooler temperatures than ales is the accurate one. The other ideas don’t fit because fermenting at warmer temperatures would push toward more esters and quicker fermentation, which is characteristic of ales. The notion of fermenting with no yeast is incorrect—yeast is essential to fermentation. And faster fermentation at lager temperatures contradicts how lager yeast behaves.

Fermentation temperature is a key factor that shapes beer styles. Lager yeast works best at cooler temperatures than ale yeast, typically in the roughly 7–13°C (45–55°F) range, and it ferments more slowly. That cooler, slower process suppresses fruity esters and higher alcohols, giving lagers their clean, crisp character. So the statement that lagers ferment at cooler temperatures than ales is the accurate one.

The other ideas don’t fit because fermenting at warmer temperatures would push toward more esters and quicker fermentation, which is characteristic of ales. The notion of fermenting with no yeast is incorrect—yeast is essential to fermentation. And faster fermentation at lager temperatures contradicts how lager yeast behaves.