Definition of lager

The word "lager" has its origins in German. In the 16th century, the term "lager" was used to describe a type of beer that was brewed in cold storage facilities, known as "lagerstätten" or "cold-cellars". The German word "lager" means "storehouse" or "warehouse", and referred to the process of storing beer at cool temperatures to slow down fermentation and allow the beer to mature. As German immigrants brought their brewing traditions to other parts of the world, the term "lager" became synonymous with a type of beer characterized by its cold fermentation and slow maturation process. Today, the term "lager" is used globally to describe a wide range of beer styles, from crisp, refreshing pale lagers to rich, full-bodied bocks and Oktoberfest beers. Despite its global use, the term "lager" remains deeply rooted in German brewing culture and history.