A Deep Dive into BrewDog’s Lagers: Cold Beer vs. Lost Lager
BrewDog, the independent Scottish brewery, has made significant inroads into the lager market, which is largely dominated by multinational corporations. Their modern take on traditional styles has given drinkers craft-quality alternatives that are both accessible and flavorful. Two of their most popular lager offerings are Cold Beer and Lost Lager. While both are crisp and refreshing, they are designed to appeal to different tastes and drinking moments. Understanding the nuances between them is key to picking your perfect pint.
The Allure of Cold Beer: A Sessionable Smasher
Cold Beer was introduced to satisfy the demand for a lighter, more sessionable lager. Its primary appeal is its straightforward drinkability, making it the ideal beverage for a long afternoon or casual gathering. The brewery describes it as a "classic" lager, designed to be served ice-cold for maximum refreshment.
- Lower ABV: At 3.4%, Cold Beer is designed for session drinking without a high alcohol content.
- Simple, Refreshing Flavor: It boasts a clean, crisp profile with subtle lemon or peach notes on a light cereal malt base. The focus is on a smooth and balanced finish rather than complex flavors.
- Ingredient Simplicity: The recipe features pale ale and light Munich malts, along with yeast and hops, creating a dry and easy-drinking beer. Some variations may also include natural flavorings for subtle fruit hints.
- Gluten-Free Option: Certain versions of Cold Beer are produced to be gluten-free using an enzyme during the brewing process.
Lost Lager: A Hopped-Up German-Style Pilsner
Lost Lager represents BrewDog’s mission to reclaim the lager from flavorless mass-produced versions. It is a German-style Pilsner that packs a bigger punch, both in alcohol and flavor. Lost Lager has received critical acclaim, even winning gold at the 2022 World Beer Awards. It is brewed with classic German Saphir hops, which are key to its vibrant character.
- Higher ABV: At 4.5%, Lost Lager is a fuller-strength lager than Cold Beer.
- Distinct Hoppy Character: The Saphir hops provide a more complex and robust flavor profile with vibrant citrus and herbal notes.
- Sustainable Production: BrewDog prides itself on Lost Lager being a "planet-first" brew, made with wind power and a third less water, and incorporating waste bread in the malt bill.
- Crisp and Dry Finish: This lager is designed to be crisp and clean, with a subtly bitter edge that defines a quality Pilsner.
The Brewing Process: Cold Fermentation and Maturation
Both beers are lagers, which means they are brewed using a cold fermentation and maturation process with bottom-fermenting yeast. This technique contributes to their characteristic clean, smooth flavor. However, the specific ingredients and duration of the process differ, resulting in the unique characteristics of each beer. The BrewDog brewery website provides insight into their general brewing steps, from mashing to packaging, confirming their commitment to quality ingredients and careful process control.
Comparison Table: Cold Beer vs. Lost Lager
| Feature | BrewDog Cold Beer | BrewDog Lost Lager |
|---|---|---|
| ABV | 3.4% | 4.5% |
| Style | Classic, sessionable lager | German-style Pilsner |
| Flavor Profile | Subtle lemon/peach, light cereal malt | Vibrant citrus and herbal notes |
| Malt | Pale ale and light Munich malts | Primarily malted barley; includes waste bread |
| Hops | Unspecified hops | Classic German Saphir hops |
| Finish | Clean, crisp, and refreshing | Crisp, clean, and subtly bitter |
| Occasion | High drinkability, long sessions | Robust flavor, more complex taste |
| Special Feature | Available in a gluten-free variant | Eco-friendly brewing process |
Which BrewDog Lager is Right for You?
Choosing between Cold Beer and Lost Lager depends on your personal taste and the occasion. If you're looking for a simple, highly drinkable, low-ABV beer for a sunny day or an extended get-together, Cold Beer is the ideal choice. Its uncomplicated flavor profile is designed for maximum refreshment. On the other hand, if you appreciate a fuller-bodied beer with more complex flavors and a pronounced hop character, Lost Lager will be more your speed. The higher ABV and German-style Pilsner qualities offer a more robust drinking experience that can be savored.
Ultimately, both beers showcase BrewDog's commitment to creating high-quality, modern lagers. For those who prioritize sustainability, Lost Lager's eco-friendly credentials may also be a deciding factor. To learn more about BrewDog's entire range, you can explore their official website.
Conclusion
BrewDog Cold Beer and Lost Lager offer distinct experiences, appealing to different preferences while sharing a commitment to quality craft brewing. Cold Beer stands out as the ultimate sessionable lager, delivering a clean, low-ABV refreshment for casual drinking. Lost Lager, a German-style Pilsner, offers a more intense and complex flavor profile with its vibrant citrus and herbal hop notes. Both are excellent examples of BrewDog's craftsmanship, and the best choice is a matter of personal taste and the specific occasion. Trying both is the best way to find your favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BrewDog Lost Lager?
Lost Lager is a 4.5% ABV German-style Pilsner brewed with Saphir hops, offering vibrant citrus and herbal notes with a crisp, clean finish.
What is BrewDog Cold Beer?
Cold Beer is a 3.4% ABV sessionable lager known for its maximum drinkability, clean, smooth finish, and subtle lemon or peach flavor notes.
Is one beer stronger than the other?
Yes, Lost Lager has a higher Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of 4.5% compared to Cold Beer's 3.4%, making Lost Lager the stronger of the two.
Which beer is better for a session?
BrewDog Cold Beer is explicitly designed as a sessionable lager with a lower ABV, making it the better choice for extended drinking sessions.
Does BrewDog use the same ingredients for both?
No, they use different ingredients. Lost Lager is brewed with German Saphir hops and includes waste bread, while Cold Beer uses a blend of pale ale and light Munich malts.
Does Cold Beer have a gluten-free option?
Yes, some versions of BrewDog Cold Beer are brewed with an enzyme to break down gluten, making them gluten-free.
How does the flavor of Cold Beer differ from Lost Lager?
Cold Beer has a simpler, more delicate flavor with light cereal and subtle fruit notes, whereas Lost Lager has a more complex, hoppy character with vibrant citrus and herbal flavors.
Is Lost Lager more bitter than Cold Beer?
Due to its use of classic German hops, Lost Lager typically has a more pronounced hop bitterness compared to the smoother, less bitter profile of Cold Beer.
