Historical Beer: Pre-Prohibition Lager

An American amber to pale lager brewed in the style popular before Prohibition. Richer and more bitter than modern American adjunct lagers.

Moderate grainy malt aroma with slight corn or grain adjunct note. Low to moderate floral or spicy hop aroma. Clean lager fermentation. Richer and more complex than modern adjunct lagers.

Pale gold to amber, 3-9 SRM. Clear. White to off-white head with good retention. Richer color than modern adjunct lager.

Moderate grainy malt flavor with subtle corn adjunct. Moderate hop bitterness with floral or herbal flavor. Clean lager fermentation. Dry finish. Richer and hoppier than modern adjunct lagers.

Medium body with moderate to high carbonation. Smooth and clean. Slightly fuller than modern adjunct lager.

The dominant lager style in America from the 1870s through Prohibition (1920). Brewed with six-row barley and corn adjuncts, it was richer and more bitter than modern American lager. Brands like Budweiser and Pabst were born in this tradition. Yuengling Lager is a surviving example. Revival interest from American craft brewers honoring pre-Prohibition brewing traditions.

What is Historical Beer: Pre-Prohibition Lager beer?

Pre-Prohibition Lager — a richer, hoppier American lager from before the 1920s ban.

What is the ABV of Historical Beer: Pre-Prohibition Lager?

Historical Beer: Pre-Prohibition Lager has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.5-6.0%.

How bitter is Historical Beer: Pre-Prohibition Lager beer?

Historical Beer: Pre-Prohibition Lager measures 25-40 IBU (International Bitterness Units).

What are some examples of Historical Beer: Pre-Prohibition Lager beers?

Yuengling Lager, Capital Brewing Supper Club, Schell's Pilsner, Great Lakes Brewing Eliot Ness (approximation)