BJCP 2B · International Lager
International Amber Lager
A mass-market amber lager, smooth and balanced, with a touch of caramel or toasty malt and little bitterness. More flavorful than the pale version, but still easy-drinking.
International Amber Lager by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 4.6 – 6.0%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 8 – 25 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 6 – 14 SRM12–28 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.042 – 1.055on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.008 – 1.014on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What International Amber Lager is like
An easy-drinking amber lager with some caramel or light toast that gives it more flavor than a pale lager, but without the complexity of a Märzen or a Vienna Lager.
Appearance
Deep gold to copper, clean and bright. Off-white head with good formation.
Aroma
Malt with light caramel, toasty or bready notes, and low to medium floral or spicy hops.
Flavor
Soft to moderate malt with caramel sweetness or a toasty touch, low to medium bitterness and a dry to slightly sweet finish. It should be clean, with no esters or diacetyl.
Mouthfeel
Light to medium body and medium to high carbonation. Smooth on the palate.
Where International Amber Lager comes from
This category covers mass-market versions inspired by Vienna Lager or Märzen, adapted to mainstream tastes in the Americas and other countries. Many Latin American and U.S. brands have their own amber version.
Ingredients
Pilsner or pale malt with caramel or color malts, and sometimes adjuncts such as corn. Hops of any origin and a clean lager yeast.
Brew it yourself
How to brew International Amber Lager at home
Add 5-10% medium caramel malt or some Munich malt to a pilsner base to get the color and caramel touch without making it cloying. Ferment at 9-12 °C (48-54 °F), do a diacetyl rest and lager cold for a few weeks. Carbonate to about 2.5 volumes; the typical mistake is overdoing the caramel so it ends up sweet and sticky.
Food pairing
Goes well with grilled meats, fajitas or burgers.
Glassware: pilsner glass, tall and slender, to show off the color and the bubbles.
Classic examples
- Brooklyn Lager
- Yuengling Traditional Lager
- Dos Equis Ambar
Frequently asked questions
How strong is International Amber Lager?
Between 4.6% and 6.0% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a moderate strength.
How bitter is International Amber Lager?
It has 8 to 25 IBUs, a low bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is International Amber Lager?
Gold to copper: 6 to 14 SRM (12 to 28 EBC).
What food pairs well with International Amber Lager?
Goes well with grilled meats, fajitas or burgers.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Märzen, Vienna Lager and International Pale Lager.
If you like International Amber Lager, try these
Classification and statistics: official International Amber Lager guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.