The History of Lager Beer : the world's most popular beer

Lager beer, known for its crisp and clean taste, has indeed become a worldwide phenomenon. Its global popularity can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, lager beer originated in the Bavarian region of Germany in the 19th century, and its production techniques were refined and perfected over time. The Germans were meticulous in their brewing process, which involved fermenting the beer at lower temperatures and using bottom-fermenting yeast. This resulted in a smooth, light-bodied beer with a longer shelf life, making it more accessible for trade and transportation.

The second factor that contributed to lager beer's global success is the influx of German immigrants to various parts of the world during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These immigrants brought their brewing traditions with them, including the techniques used to produce lager beer. As they settled in different countries, they established breweries that produced lagers, introducing this style of beer to new audiences. This led to the gradual spread of lager beer's popularity across Europe, North America, and eventually, the rest of the world.

The third factor that contributed to the worldwide phenomenon of lager beer is its ability to adapt to local tastes and preferences. As the beer spread to different regions, local brewers began experimenting with the recipe, incorporating ingredients and techniques that suited their own cultural and culinary traditions. This resulted in the creation of regional variations of lager beer, such as pilsners, helles, and Vienna lagers, each with its own distinct flavor profile. This adaptability allowed lager beer to resonate with a diverse range of consumers, further fueling its global popularity.

Malcolm F. Purinton is a Food and World historian whose work focuses primarily on the sociocultural relationships of empire, trade, and technology in the history of beer and brewing. His first book Globalization in a Glass: The Rise of Pilsner Beer through Technology, Taste, and Empire (Bloomsbury Academic Press, Food History Series, 2023) examines the development and spread of this light golden lager beer and how it became the only truly global style of beer.


He is also the author of a chapter on the history of European beer in nineteenth century South Africa in “Alcohol Flows Across Cultures: Drinking Cultures in Transnational and Comparative Perspective” (Routledge) and has a regular column on the Boston beer scene with the northeast beer periodical, Yankee Brew News.


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