Lager vs. Draught — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 20, 2024
Lager is a type of beer that is fermented and conditioned at low temperatures, while draught refers to beer served from a keg or cask, not its style.
Difference Between Lager and Draught
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lagers are characterized by their smooth, clean, and crisp flavor profiles, resulting from the use of bottom-fermenting yeast that works at colder temperatures, whereas draught beer can be any type of beer (including lager) that is served fresh from a keg or cask through a tap system.
While lager fermentation involves longer and colder storage to enhance clarity and stability, draught beer emphasizes the freshness and ideal serving condition, regardless of the beer's style, whether it's a lager, ale, stout, or any other.
Lagers often have a light to medium body with varying degrees of bitterness, depending on the specific style, such as Pilsner or Märzen, while draught beer's quality and taste can vary widely, influenced by factors such as the beer's style, the keg's storage conditions, and the cleanliness of the dispensing system.
Choosing between lager and draught beer is not about style versus serving method; one might enjoy a lager that is served on draught, combining the characteristics of both, where the lager's crispness is enhanced by the freshness of the draught serving.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A type of beer fermented and conditioned at low temperatures
Beer served from a keg or cask through a tap system
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Yeast
Uses bottom-fermenting yeast
Can use any type of yeast depending on the beer style
Temperature
Fermented and stored at cold temperatures
Serving temperature varies by beer style
Flavor Profile
Generally smooth, clean, and crisp
Depends on the type of beer; not specific to draught
Beer Styles
Includes Pilsners, Märzens, and other lagers
Can include any beer style, such as lagers, ales, stouts, etc.
Serving Condition
Can be served in various ways, including on draught
Emphasizes freshness and ideal serving conditions
Compare with Definitions
Lager
Beer fermented with bottom-fermenting yeast at cold temperatures.
The lager's clean taste is due to the cold fermentation process.
Draught
Beer served from a keg or cask through a tap system.
The pub offers several types of beer on draught for freshness.
Lager
Requires longer conditioning times.
The lager was conditioned for several weeks to develop its smooth flavor.
Draught
Can include any beer style, including lager.
The bar's draught selection includes both ales and lagers.
Lager
Can vary from light to dark, depending on the style.
Dark lagers offer a richer taste compared to their light counterparts.
Draught
Serving conditions impact flavor and quality.
Properly maintained draught systems ensure the beer's optimal taste.
Lager
Known for its crisp and clean flavor profile.
Lagers like Pilsners are popular for their refreshing crispness.
Draught
Freshness is a key characteristic.
Draught beer is prized for its fresh, straight-from-the-keg taste.
Lager
Often has a mild bitterness.
The lager's bitterness is balanced, making it easy to drink.
Draught
Ideal for a variety of settings, from pubs to home kegerators.
Installing a draught system at home can enhance your beer experience.
Lager
Lager is beer which has been brewed and conditioned at low temperature. Lagers can be pale, amber, or dark.
Draught
A current of cool air in a room or other confined space
Heavy curtains at the windows cut out draughts
Lager
A beer of German origin that is fermented for a relatively long time at a low temperature. Also called lager beer.
Draught
A single act of drinking or inhaling
She downed the remaining beer in one draught
Lager
A type of beer, brewed using a bottom-fermenting yeast.
Draught
The depth of water needed to float a ship
The shallow draught enabled her to get close inshore
Lager
To store (lager beer) at a low temperature for maturing and clarification.
Draught
The drawing in of a fishing net.
Lager
Alternative spelling of laager
Draught
Denoting beer or cider served from a barrel or tank rather than from a bottle or can
Draught ale
Lager
Lager beer.
Draught
Denoting an animal used for pulling heavy loads
A draught horse
Lager
A camp defended by a circular formation of wagons
Draught
Variant of draft.
Lager
A general term for beer made with bottom fermenting yeast (usually by decoction mashing); originally it was brewed in March or April and matured until September
Draught
In its various senses.
Draught
(British) A checker: a game piece used in the game of draughts.
Draught
(Australia) Ale: a type of beer brewed using top-fermenting yeast.
Draught
A mild vesicatory.
Draught
(obsolete) An outhouse: an outbuilding used as a lavatory.
Draught
Any picture or drawing.
Draught
A sudden attack upon an enemy.
Draught
(UK) draft
Draught
The act of drawing or pulling
A general custom of using oxen for all sort of draught would be, perhaps, the greatest improvement.
Draught
The drawing of a bowstring.
She sent an arrow forth with mighty draught.
Draught
That which is drawn
Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
He laid down his pipe, and cast his net, which brought him a very great draught.
Draught
Act of drawing a net; a sweeping the water for fish.
Upon the draught of a pond, not one fish was left.
Draught
The force drawn; a detachment; - in this sense usually written draft.
Disguise thyself as thou wilt, still, Slavery, . . . still thou art a bitter draught.
Low lies that house where nut-brown draughts inspired.
Draught
That which draws
Draught
The act of drawing liquor into the mouth and throat; the act of drinking.
In his hands he took the goblet, but a while the draught forbore.
Draught
A sketch, outline, or representation, whether written, designed, or drawn; a delineation.
A draught of a Toleration Act was offered to the Parliament by a private member.
No picture or draught of these things from the report of the eye.
Draught
Capacity of being drawn; force necessary to draw; traction.
The Hertfordshire wheel plow . . . is of the easiest draught.
Draught
A sudden attack or drawing upon an enemy.
By drawing sudden draughts upon the enemy when he looketh not for you.
Draught
An order for the payment of money; - in this sense almost always written draft.
He preferred to go and sit upon the stairs, in . . . a strong draught of air, until he was again sent for.
Draught
The depth of water necessary to float a ship, or the depth a ship sinks in water, especially when laden; as, a ship of twelve feet draught.
Draught
An allowance on weighable goods. [Eng.] See Draft, 4.
Draught
A move, as at chess or checkers.
Draught
The bevel given to the pattern for a casting, in order that it may be drawn from the sand without injury to the mold.
Draught
Used for drawing vehicles, loads, etc.; as, a draught beast; draught hooks.
Draught
Relating to, or characterized by, a draft, or current of air.
Draught
Used in making drawings; as, draught compasses.
Draught
Drawn directly from the barrel, or other receptacle, in distinction from bottled; on draught; - said of ale, cider, and the like.
Draught
To draw out; to call forth. See Draft.
Draught
To diminish or exhaust by drawing.
The Parliament so often draughted and drained.
Draught
To draw in outline; to make a draught, sketch, or plan of, as in architectural and mechanical drawing.
Draught
A serving of drink (usually alcoholic) drawn from a keg;
They served beer on draft
Draught
A large and hurried swallow;
He finished it at a single gulp
Draught
A current of air (usually coming into a room or vehicle)
Draught
The depth of a vessel's keel below the surface (especially when loaded)
Draught
A dose of liquid medicine;
He took a sleeping draft
Draught
The act of moving a load by drawing or pulling
Draught
Make a blueprint of
Common Curiosities
How do lagers differ from ales?
Lagers use bottom-fermenting yeast and are fermented at colder temperatures, resulting in a smoother taste, while ales use top-fermenting yeast and are fermented at warmer temperatures, often leading to a fruitier and more complex flavor profile.
What is a lager beer?
Lager is a type of beer characterized by its fermentation and conditioning process using bottom-fermenting yeast at low temperatures, resulting in a clean, crisp taste.
Can a lager be served on draught?
Yes, lagers can be served on draught, combining the crisp and clean taste of lager with the freshness of draught serving.
What is the best way to maintain the freshness of draught beer at home?
To maintain draught beer's freshness at home, ensure the kegerator or draught system is kept clean, at the correct temperature, and that beer lines are regularly maintained to prevent contamination and off-flavors.
What does draught beer mean?
Draught beer refers to beer that is served from a keg or cask rather than from a bottle or can, typically through a tap system, emphasizing freshness and optimal serving conditions.
Why is draught beer often considered fresher?
Draught beer is typically served directly from a keg or cask, reducing exposure to light and air, which can degrade beer quality, thus often providing a fresher taste compared to bottled or canned beer.
How should lagers be served?
Lagers are best served cold, between 35°F to 50°F (1.7°C to 10°C), to enhance their crisp and refreshing qualities.
What factors affect the quality of draught beer?
The quality of draught beer can be influenced by the beer's style, the storage conditions of the keg, and the cleanliness and maintenance of the dispensing system.
Is there a difference in alcohol content between lager and draught beer?
The alcohol content of a beer is determined by its specific recipe and brewing process, not by whether it is a lager or served on draught. Both lagers and draught beers can vary widely in alcohol content.
What are some common styles of lager?
Common lager styles include Pilsner, Bock, Märzen (Oktoberfest), and Helles, each offering distinct flavors ranging from light and crisp to rich and malty.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
