Why do some lagers get called beer?

It's a bit of a semantic puzzle! The answer lies in how we use the terms "lager" and "beer" and their relationship to brewing styles.

* Lager is a specific type of beer. It's defined by its bottom-fermenting yeast and typically undergoes a cold maturation period (lagering). This results in a crisp, clean, and often lighter-bodied beer.

* Beer, on the other hand, is a broader term encompassing all fermented beverages made from grains. This includes lagers, but also ales, stouts, porters, IPAs, and many other styles.

So, why are some lagers called beer? Because they *are* beer! It's like saying "a red car is a car." It's a specific instance within a broader category.

Here's why the distinction might sometimes be blurred:

* Common Usage: In casual conversation, people often use "beer" as a general term for any alcoholic beverage made from grains. This makes it sound like "lager" and "beer" are interchangeable.

* Marketing: Some brewers may use "lager" in their branding to emphasize a specific flavor profile and brewing method, but still fall under the overarching category of beer.

In short, all lagers are beer, but not all beer is lager. It's like saying "all apples are fruits, but not all fruits are apples."