What’s the difference between ALE and LAGER beer?

We all know about wine geeks, but now I have discovered a new kind – the beer geeks! And rightfully so, as, with the rise of craft beer, a whole new range of beer is emerging. So, what is the main difference between ale and lager? The fermentation and especially the type of yeast.

What’s the difference between ALE and LAGER beer? Here’s a summary:

ALE

Thousands of years old process

Fermented warm

Top fermentation

Small brewing cycle: few days

LAGER

Quite recent process

Fermented cold

Bottom fermentation

Long brewing cycle: several months