This is not determined by color, flavor or alcohol strength, but by the fermentation technique and yeast used in brewing. ... Lagers tend to have a crisper, cleaner taste, although other ingredients such as malts and hops can be added for flavor. Ales tend to be more full-bodied, sweeter and fruity in taste.

Does all lager taste the same?

Research into beer drinkers' taste preferences for some of the world's biggest selling lagers has resulted in an interesting conclusion — people can't tell the difference between them. “So if you're in a bar and they don't have the lager you usually drink, have a different one. They will pretty taste much the same.”

How is lager different from beer?

Firstly, there is no difference between beer and lager. ... The technical difference between the beer categories is in how they are brewed. Lager is a German word that translates as “storage,” which gives a hint as to its method of brewing. Lagers are beers that are ferment slowly at low temperatures.