Lager - the most popular beer style in the world, but not as you know it

Lager — the world's most popular beer style, but not as you know it

Lager is the most consumed beer style on the planet — over 90% of the beer drunk worldwide is lager. And that's exactly why so many people underestimate it — because they only know its industrial version. In reality, lager is a style with immense depth, requiring precision, patience, and craftsmanship — qualities that mass production rarely offers.

The Bulgarian Connection

The brewing tradition in Bulgaria began precisely with lager. The first modern breweries in the country from the late 19th century brewed according to Czech and German models — pale lagers and pilsners, which still form most Bulgarians' idea of "beer" today. But between industrial lager and craft lager, there is a chasm — and this collection is on the right side of it.

Helles, Pilsner and Pale Lager

Bavarian Helles is clean, malty and delicately hopped — a beer that appears simple but requires impeccable technique. Czech Pilsner adds a more pronounced hop bitterness with a floral, grassy aroma from Saaz hops. German Pilsner is drier and crisper. And modern craft lagers interpret these classics with new hop varieties and modern techniques, without sacrificing the purity of the style.

Vienna Lager, Märzen and Amber Lagers

Vienna Lager is elegant, amber, with malty sweetness and a clean finish. Märzen — traditionally brewed for Oktoberfest — is richer, with a more pronounced malty character. These styles are the perfect bridge between pale and dark lagers.

Dark Lager and Dunkel

Dark Lager and Bavarian Dunkel prove that dark doesn't mean heavy. Here, the malt brings notes of chocolate, bread, and hazelnut, but the body remains light and drinkable — perhaps the most accessible entry point to dark beers.

IPL and Modern Craft Lagers

India Pale Lager (IPL) is the hybrid that combines the hoppy character of IPA with the purity of lager fermentation — crisp, aromatic, and dry. Modern craft breweries are increasingly turning to lager, proving that the style isn't boring — it just needs to be done right.

Why Lager from 100 Beers?

With a wide variety in our collection, lager is one of the best-represented styles at 100 Beers — from Bavarian classics by Weihenstephan and Schneider Weisse, through Czech lagers, to modern craft interpretations from breweries across Europe. If you think lager is boring — this collection will convince you otherwise.

Browse our other style collections: Bock • Hefeweizen • Rauchbier & Smoked • Pale Ale