BJCP 2C · International Lager
International Dark Lager
A mass-market dark lager, light and smooth, with touches of caramel or restrained roast. More color than flavor, refreshing and without noticeable bitterness.
International Dark Lager by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 4.2 – 6.0%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 8 – 20 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 14 – 30 SRM28–59 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.044 – 1.056on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.008 – 1.012on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What International Dark Lager is like
A light-bodied, smooth dark lager with a little caramel or roast that never reaches the intensity of a German dark lager or a Czech Dark Lager. It goes down easily.
Appearance
Deep amber to very dark brown with ruby highlights, clear. Beige head that usually doesn't last long.
Aroma
Soft malt with caramel, light roast or gentle licorice notes, and low to no hops.
Flavor
Light malt with some caramel, burnt sugar or soft chocolate, low bitterness and a dry to slightly sweet finish. No strong roast or astringency.
Mouthfeel
Light to medium-light body and medium to high carbonation.
Where International Dark Lager comes from
These are the dark versions of mass-market lagers, brewed in many countries from the same base as the pale ones. The color usually comes from small amounts of dark malt or from coloring and caramelized sugars.
Ingredients
Pilsner or pale malt with adjuncts, caramel malts or a little dark malt, and sometimes coloring or caramelized sugar. Restrained hops and a clean lager yeast.
Brew it yourself
How to brew International Dark Lager at home
For color, use a small amount of debittered dark malt such as Carafa Special added at the end of the mash, so it doesn't bring any harshness. Ferment at 9-12 °C (48-54 °F) and lager cold for a few weeks. Carbonate to about 2.5 volumes; the typical mistake is overdoing the roast so it tastes like a porter.
Food pairing
Goes well with barbecued meat, mild stews or chili con carne.
Glassware: pilsner glass, tall and slender, to show off the color and the bubbles.
Classic examples
- Shiner Bock
- Saint Pauli Girl Dark
- San Miguel Dark
Frequently asked questions
How strong is International Dark Lager?
Between 4.2% and 6.0% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a moderate strength.
How bitter is International Dark Lager?
It has 8 to 20 IBUs, a very low bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is International Dark Lager?
Copper to black: 14 to 30 SRM (28 to 59 EBC).
What food pairs well with International Dark Lager?
Goes well with barbecued meat, mild stews or chili con carne.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Munich Dunkel, Czech Dark Lager and International Amber Lager.
If you like International Dark Lager, try these
Classification and statistics: official International Dark Lager guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.