National Lager Day is December 10, but really we celebrate the lager every day here at 22 Northmen Brewing Co. Inspired by the brisk latitude and rooted in tradition, our lagers are crafted with precision and nuance using time-honored techniques.
Loving the lager
22 Northmen Head Brewer, Keith Hefley, is a long-time lager lover. Early on in his brewing days, beers with aggressive flavor profiles – especially IPAs – were big on the scene. After spending years refining his techniques, Hefley started getting more and more into lagers.
“I was able to make a decent IPA immediately, I think it took me years to be able to make a lager like I wanted to,” Hefley said.
Lagers are a type of beer that are often considered more difficult to make as there is no hiding faults with the beer’s flavors.
“With other beers if you miss the mark it’s harder to tell, with lagers it’s much easier to tell if something didn’t go right.”
Lager yeasts prefer cooler temperatures (roughly 42-55 ℉). They also “bottom ferment” and ferment more slowly. Lager yeasts tend to create clean, crisp flavors that showcase the grains and hops. Exceptional lagers require patience and attention. Every single step throughout the entire brewing process has to align for quality.
“A great lager isn’t about the recipe, it’s about refining techniques in the brewery and executing with precision. It took me years to develop my lager style,” Hefley said.
It’s the drinkability and nuances of a lager that attracts Hefley to them. He enjoys every step of a lager’s brewing process and the challenges keep him on his toes.
Lagers for the holidays
Lagers are especially perfect for this time of year. When people get together for holiday celebrations, a good lager adds to the party. A common misconception is that all lagers are low in flavor and while that’s definitely not the case, lagers aren’t a type of beer one would describe as overpowering. Instead, the flavors of a lager let the drinker focus on the moment and the people they’re with.
“A well-made lager will sit in the background and let you focus on enjoying the moment. It’s a catalyst for a good time. Perfect for the holiday season when you gather with your people,” Hefley said.
National Lager Day is the perfect time to try out the lagers in our taproom. Click here to see a full tap list and find a new favorite to take home in a growler for the holidays!
