Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How do fermentation temperatures differ for ale and lager beer?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Beer
Glasses of beer in a bar in Brussels.
The fermentation temperatures for ale and lager differ significantly, reflecting the distinct processes used for each type of beer.
At the start of the process, the wort is pitched at the following temperatures:
* Ale: 15 to 18 °C (59 to 65 °F)
* Lager: 7 to 12 °C (45 to 54 °F)
As fermentation progresses, the yeast metabolizes sugars and generates heat, causing the temperature to rise. Brewers allow the temperature to reach:
* Ale: 20 to 23 °C (68 to 74 °F)
* Lager: 12 to 17 °C (54 to 63 °F)
Once this peak is reached, the fermentation is cooled to slow yeast activity—down to 15 °C (59 °F) for ale and 4 °C (39 °F) for lager—before the yeast is removed and the beer is transferred for conditioning.1