BJCP 2A · International Lager
International Pale Lager
A mass-market pale lager, clean and refreshing, with a little more malt and hops than American Lager. It's the standard golden beer across much of the world.
International Pale Lager by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 4.6 – 6.0%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 18 – 25 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 2 – 6 SRM4–12 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.042 – 1.050on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.008 – 1.012on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What International Pale Lager is like
A pale, well-attenuated, very refreshing lager with moderate malt and hop flavors and a clean finish. It has a bit more body and bitterness than American Lager, but without the assertive character of a German Pils or a Czech Premium Pale Lager.
Appearance
Straw to gold, very bright. White head that forms well, though it doesn't always last.
Aroma
Slightly sweet grainy malt and low to medium floral, spicy or herbal hops. There may be a faint touch of sulfur or corn.
Flavor
Neutral to slightly bready malt, low to medium bitterness and a dry, clean finish. There shouldn't be any diacetyl or fruitiness.
Mouthfeel
Light to medium body and high carbonation. It sometimes leaves a slight prickly bite from the carbonation.
Where International Pale Lager comes from
It's the evolution of pilsner that spread around the world in the 20th century in the hands of the big breweries. Many international brands, European ones included, follow this model of clean, easy-drinking golden lager.
Ingredients
Pilsner or pale malt, sometimes with rice, corn or sugar. Hops of any origin, often European, and a clean lager yeast. Water hardness varies.
Brew it yourself
How to brew International Pale Lager at home
Ferment with lager yeast at 9-12 °C (48-54 °F), do a diacetyl rest at the end and lager cold for three or four weeks so it comes out bright. A mash at 64-65 °C (147-149 °F) gives the dry finish the style calls for. Carbonate to 2.5-2.7 volumes; the typical mistake is DMS from a short or covered boil.
Food pairing
Pairs well with fried bar snacks, pizza or mild curries.
Glassware: pilsner glass, tall and slender, to show off the color and the bubbles.
Classic examples
- Heineken
- Asahi Super Dry
- Birra Moretti
Frequently asked questions
How strong is International Pale Lager?
Between 4.6% and 6.0% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a moderate strength.
How bitter is International Pale Lager?
It has 18 to 25 IBUs, a low bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is International Pale Lager?
Straw to gold: 2 to 6 SRM (4 to 12 EBC).
What food pairs well with International Pale Lager?
Pairs well with fried bar snacks, pizza or mild curries.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try American Lager, Munich Helles and German Pils.
If you like International Pale Lager, try these
Classification and statistics: official International Pale Lager guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.