Hop Horizons

all-malt lager

There are 13 different all-malt lager listed on Hop Horizons, with a weighted average score of 31.3%.

What is All-Malt Lager?

All-malt lager is lager in its purist form - no corn, no rice, no funny business. Just water, hops, yeast and 100% malted barley. The result? A beer that’s clean, crisp and full of character, often with a richer malt backbone than mass-market lagers.

This style is all about balance. It keeps the easy-drinking refreshment of a lager but adds a bit more depth: gentle toast, biscuit or honey notes, depending on the malt used. Think of it as the honest lager - the one that didn’t cut corners.

How It’s Brewed

As the name suggests, the grain bill uses only malted barley - no adjunct grains like rice or maize. Hops are often noble (Saaz, Hallertau, Tettnang) and fermentation happens low and slow with traditional lager yeasts to keep things clean and crisp.

ABV usually sits between 4.5% and 5.5%, with moderate carbonation and a brilliant clarity. It may be pale or amber, depending on the malt bill, but it always leans toward smooth and balanced rather than flashy or bold.

Famous Examples

While many craft breweries dabble in all-malt lagers, here are a few well-known examples to look out for:

• Weihenstephaner Original (Germany) – Rich yet refined, a Bavarian classic.
• Augustiner Helles (Germany) – Soft, rounded and beautifully malt-forward.
• Samuel Adams Boston Lager (USA) – An American take with bold hops and toasty malt.
• Budvar Original (Czech Republic) – Clean and balanced with noble hop bite.

How All-Malt Lager Differs from Similar Styles

Unlike many mass-produced lagers, which use adjuncts like rice or corn to lighten the body and cut costs, all-malt lagers go full barley. This gives them a fuller mouthfeel and a more noticeable malt character without sacrificing that classic lager crispness.

They’re different from Helles or Pilsners in that they’re defined more by their ingredients than strict regional style - though some Helles and Pilsners do qualify as all-malt lagers, if brewed that way.

Food Pairings

All-malt lagers pair wonderfully with grilled vegetables, halloumi skewers, savoury pastries, roasted potatoes or even a strong, nutty cheese. The clean profile makes it a great companion for both light and rich veggie dishes alike.

Style Stats (Typical Ranges)

• ABV: 4.5% – 5.5%
• IBU (Bitterness): 18 – 30
• Colour (SRM): 4 – 10 (straw to amber)
• Carbonation: Moderate to high

FAQs About All-Malt Lager

What does “all-malt” actually mean?
It means the beer is brewed using only malted barley as its grain source - no rice, no corn, no sugar syrups. Just the traditional four ingredients: water, malt, hops and yeast.

Are all Helles or Pilsners all-malt?
Not necessarily. Some are, some aren’t - it depends on the recipe. But many traditional European examples do stick to all-malt principles.

Does all-malt mean it’s stronger or heavier?
Not always. It usually means more flavour and mouthfeel, but the ABV and bitterness can still be quite moderate. It’s about depth, not punch.

Beers of This Style

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