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BJCP 2021 / 2B

International Amber Lager

A smooth, malty amber lager that is easy to drink.

  • Drink fresh
  • standard strength
  • amber color
  • bottom fermented
  • lagered

Serve: 40 to 45F, Pint or mug

OG1.120
1.042 to 1.055
FG1.030
1.008 to 1.014
IBU120
8 to 25
SRM40
6 to 14
ABV14%
4.5 to 6.0%

Taste it in order

Aroma

12 pts
  • Light toast and caramel
  • Faint hop
  • Clean lager character
Vague
Malty
Better
Toasty malt and light caramel
Best
Low toasted bread and caramel aroma, hop barely detectable, no fruit

Appearance

3 pts
  • Light amber to copper
  • Clear
  • Off-white head
Vague
Brown-ish
Better
Amber and clear
Best
Light copper-amber, brilliant, off-white head of medium retention

Flavor

20 pts
  • Light toast and caramel sweetness
  • Low bitterness
  • Smooth, off-dry finish
Vague
Malty
Better
Toasty malt with a little caramel
Best
Moderate toasted bread and caramel flavor, low hop and bitterness, smooth off-dry finish

Mouthfeel

5 pts
  • Medium-light to medium body
  • Medium carbonation
  • Smooth
Vague
Smooth
Better
Medium body and smooth
Best
Medium body with a smooth, soft texture and medium carbonation

Overall Impression

10 pts

Lifts it

  • Toasty malt that stays clean

Drops it

  • Sticky sweetness
  • Harsh roast

Writing tip

Describe the malt in layers. Example: 'Toasty crust with a hint of caramel, clean finish. A bit more hop would balance the sweetness.'

Pour these

  • Dos Equis AmberCervecería Cuauhtémoc MoctezumaToasty malt with a clean finish
  • Yuengling Traditional LagerYuenglingCaramel malt with a gentle hop snap

Often confused with

Fine here

  • DMS: A trace is tolerated

Ruinous here

  • Diacetyl: Butter
  • Oxidized: Dulls the toast and caramel into wet paper
  • Astringent: Harsh tannins from over-roasted grain

Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.