Aroma:
Low to medium-low malt aroma, which can be grainy,
sweet or corn-like. Hop aroma may range from very low to a
medium-low, spicy or floral hop presence. Low levels of yeast
character (green apples, DMS, or fruitiness) are optional but
acceptable. No diacetyl.
Appearance:
Pale straw to gold color. White, frothy head may
not be long lasting. Very clear.
Flavor:
Crisp and dry flavor with some low levels of grainy or
malty sweetness. Hop flavor ranges from none to low levels.
Hop bitterness at low to medium level. Balance may vary from
slightly malty to slightly bitter, but is relatively close to even.
High levels of carbonation may provide a slight acidity or dry
“sting.” No diacetyl. No fruitiness.
Mouthfeel:
Medium-light body from use of adjuncts such as
rice or corn. Highly carbonated with slight carbonic bite on the
tongue.
Overall Impression:
Refreshing and thirst quenching, al
-
though generally more filling than standard/lite versions.
Comments:
Premium beers tend to have fewer adjuncts than
standard/lite lagers, and can be all-malt. Strong flavors are a
fault, but premium lagers have more flavor than standard/lite
lagers. A broad category of international mass-market lagers
ranging from up-scale American lagers to the typical “import”
or “green bottle” international beers found in America.
Ingredients:
Two- or six-row barley with up to 25% rice or
corn as adjuncts.
Vital Statistics:
OG:
1.046 – 1.056
IBUs:
15 – 25
FG:
1.008 – 1.012
SRM:
2 – 6
ABV:
4.6 – 6%
Commercial Examples:
Full Sail Session Premium Lager,
Miller Genuine Draft, Corona Extra, Michelob, Coors Extra
Gold, Birra Moretti, Heineken, Beck’s, Stella Artois, Red
Stripe, Singha