Beer Styles

What is Spanish lager? It refers to a pale, bottom-fermented beer of moderate strength, brewed in the international style. The BJCP style guidelines classify such beers as "International Pale Lager," a category that also includes Mexican and Japanese lagers.

Mahou's Cinco Estrellas is one example. Mahou has brewed it since 1969; it's golden yellow with a stable white foam crown. According to retailers, the alcohol content is around 5.5 percent ABV. On the palate, mild malt and grain come first, the beer is clean, and it finishes dry.

How does this differ from a German pilsner? Pilsner is noticeably hoppier. The BJCP lists 22 to 40 IBU for German pilsner, compared to 18 to 25 for international pale lager. Spanish lager therefore tastes rounder and lacks the sharp bitterness of pilsner.

There's also a difference compared to Bavarian Helles. Helles is maltier and somewhat sweeter. Madrid's lager is crisper and aims for refreshment in the heat.

Besides lager, Madrid also offers beer mixed with lemon soda called clara, similar to the German Radler, as well as dark beers. But the heart of Madrid's beer culture remains pale lager in its small format, the caña. What matters here isn't a record-breaking array of flavors, but a clean, cold glass that suits any occasion, from lunch to an evening on the terraza. Mahou and San Miguel pour it in nearly every bar.