February 20, 2026

Lager Beer 101: Crisp, Clean Styles to Try at Elicit

Think you don’t like beer? A crisp, clean lager from Elicit Brewing might change your mind. Explore easy-drinking styles that are balanced, food-friendly, and perfect for your next round in Manchester, Fairfield, or Danbury.

If there’s one thing we hear all the time, it’s this: “I don’t really like beer.” And honestly? Most of the time, that doesn’t mean people don’t like beer at all. It usually means they’ve only tried a few styles that didn’t click. That’s exactly where lager beer comes in.

Lagers are often the starting point for people who think beer isn’t for them. They’re crisp, refreshing, and easy-drinking, without needing a tasting guide or a crash course in brewing science. At Elicit Brewing, lagers are about balance, drinkability, and good times, not overthinking every sip.

If you’re curious about beer but not into bitterness, heaviness, or hype, this guide is for you.

What Is a Lager Beer, Anyway?

At its core, a lager beer is brewed to be clean, smooth, and balanced.

Lagers are bottom-fermented and cold-conditioned, which helps create the crisp finish people love. What matters more than the process, though, is how they taste. Lagers are known for clarity, subtle flavors, and a refreshment that feels familiar yet thoughtfully crafted.

In the world of American craft beer, lagers have always played a major role, from classic styles to modern craft interpretations that focus on precision rather than intensity.

Why Lager Beer Is Having a Moment

For a while, bigger and bolder dominated craft beer. Now, drinkers are circling back to balance.

Lagers are getting more love because they’re food-friendly, sessionable, and social by nature. They also show real brewing skill. When there’s nowhere to hide behind hops or sweetness, every detail matters.

A great lager isn’t loud. It’s confident. And lately, that’s exactly what people are craving.

Lager Beer vs Ale: What’s the Difference?

Lagers tend to be crisp, subtle, and refreshing, while ales are usually bolder, fruitier, or more hop-forward.

That’s why lagers often feel lighter and smoother on the palate. They don’t linger aggressively, and they’re easier to enjoy over a longer hang. Neither is better, it’s just about what you’re in the mood for.

If you want something clean that pairs well with food, conversation, and a second round, lager beer usually wins.

Common Types of Lager Beer

There’s more variety here than most people expect.

Light Lager

Clean, easy, and refreshing. Low bitterness, high drinkability. A great entry point into craft beer. Light beer doesn’t mean boring; it just means approachable.

Pilsner

Still crisp, but with a little more bite. Pilsners often have a subtle hop presence that plays well with food.

Amber and Vienna-Style Lagers

Slightly malty, with smooth, toasty notes, but always balanced. Flavorful without feeling heavy or overwhelming.

Seasonal and Specialty Lagers

Festbiers, summer lagers, or winter styles that rotate through the year. These are limited, fun to explore, and always worth trying when they’re on tap.

No matter the style, lagers are all about ease: easy to order, easy to enjoy, and easy to come back to when you want another round.

A glass of amber lager with hints of vanilla and allspice on a table at Elicit Brewing.

Lagers at Elicit: What to Try

At Elicit, lagers are brewed with intention. We keep core lager styles around that guests return to, while rotating seasonal lagers that reflect the time of year, and what sounds good to drink right now.

They’re built for repeat pours, easy food pairing, and group hangs. Since our tap list evolves, the best move is always to check what’s currently pouring before you stop by.

Lager Beer, Calories, and Drinkability

One of the most common questions we hear is about calories in beer. Lagers often feel lighter thanks to their clean finish and balanced body, but calorie counts can vary by style, strength, and ingredients.

Instead of fixating on numbers, we focus on drinkability. A well-made lager is satisfying without feeling heavy, which is why so many guests reach for them during long meals or extended hangs.

Draft vs Beer Cans: Does It Matter?

Beer being poured from an Elicit Brewing beer can into a branded pint glass, with several beer cans lined up.

Both draft beers and beer cans have their place.

Draft beer offers the freshest taproom experience, especially when you’re hanging out with friends. Beer cans, on the other hand, are convenient, consistent, and perfect for taking your favorites to go.

If you find a lager you love, grabbing it in cans is an easy way to keep the good times going beyond the brewpub.

You’ll find lagers on draft and in cans across our Manchester, Fairfield, and Danbury locations, depending on what’s currently pouring.

How to Try Lager Beer Without Overthinking It

There’s no wrong way, but here are a few tips help:

  • Start with a flight so you can compare styles side by side.
  • Take your time to enjoy the experience.
  • Pair your lager with food.
  • Notice what feels crisp, smooth, or especially refreshing to you.

Lagers shine when they’re enjoyed casually. No pressure. No rules.

Who Lager Beer Is Perfect For

Lager beer is a great fit for new craft beer drinkers, people who don’t love overly hoppy beers, and anyone who tends to choose food first and drinks second. It’s also perfect for nights when you want something clean, social, and refreshing without overthinking it. 

In short, lager beer fits the moment rather than competing with it.

Why Elicit Is a Great Place to Explore Lager Beer

At Elicit Brewing, we brew lagers with balance in mind. Our lineup rotates, our styles stay approachable, and our spaces are built for movement, conversation, and shared experiences.

Between the beer hall, patio, and lounge seating, it’s easy to settle in or move around while finding a lager that works for you. It’s not about exclusivity. It’s about enjoying American craft beer the way it’s meant to be enjoyed: together.

With Elicit at three Connecticut locations and a walk-in, first-come setup, it’s easy to stop by, move around, and order at your own pace.

Quick Lager FAQs

Are lagers always light?

No. Some are crisp and light, others are richer and more malty.

Do lagers have less alcohol?

Not always. It depends on the style.

Are lagers boring?

Only if balance is boring, we don’t think it is.

Can I try a lager before committing to a full pour?

Absolutely. Beer flights make exploring easy.

Looking for the closest taproom? Find Elicit Brewing in Manchester, Fairfield, or Danbury and stop by when it works for you.

Crisp, Confident, and Worth Another Pour

Lager beer doesn’t need hype to stand out. It’s confident, clean, and endlessly drinkable, and once you give it a fair shot, it tends to stick.

Next time you’re in the mood to try something new without overthinking it, grab a lager from Elicit Brewing on draft, build a flight, or take a few cans home. Chances are, you’ll find one that makes you rethink what beer can be.

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