A Guide to the Different Types of Lager (and the Best Alcohol-Free Versions to Try)
When most people think of lager, they picture a cold pint on a sunny afternoon. Crisp, refreshing and easy to drink, it’s the world’s most popular beer style by a long way. But here’s the thing not all lagers are the same.
From light and refreshing Helles lagers to rich, malty Dunkels, there’s a whole family of lager styles, each with its own personality. The good news? As alcohol-free brewing has improved, many of these styles are now available without the booze too.
Here’s a tour through the most popular types of lager and an alcohol-free version worth looking out for.
Helles Lager
If you enjoy a classic easy-drinking lager, Helles is probably your perfect match. Originating in Munich, Germany, Helles is pale gold, slightly malty, with just enough hop bitterness to keep it refreshing. It’s smooth rather than bitter and incredibly drinkable.
Try alcohol-free: Nirvana Brewery Helles Lager – A faithful take on the German original with soft malt flavours and a clean finish.
Pilsner
Often confused with standard lager, Pilsner is actually its own style. First brewed in the Czech city of Plzeň, Pilsners have a more noticeable hop character, giving them a crisp, slightly bitter finish while still remaining refreshing.
There are two main variations:
- Czech Pilsner – Fuller-bodied with spicy Saaz hops.
- German Pilsner – Lighter, drier and a touch more bitter.
Try alcohol-free: Warsteiner Fresh 0.0% or Bitburger Drive 0.0%, both excellent examples of the German Pilsner style.
Czech Lager
While Pilsner originated in the Czech Republic, Czech lagers cover a wider range of beers. They tend to be richer and maltier than their German cousins while still delivering that signature crisp finish.
They often have a fuller mouthfeel and a lovely balance between sweet malt and earthy hops.
Try alcohol-free: Ghost Brewery Czech Lager – A modern alcohol-free interpretation inspired by traditional Czech brewing.
Dortmunder Export
Less common these days but still well worth discovering, Dortmunder Export sits somewhere between a Helles and a Pilsner. It’s slightly stronger in flavour, with more malt sweetness but still finishes crisp and clean.
Originally brewed for the industrial workers of Dortmund, it was designed to be refreshing while packing a little more body.
Try alcohol-free: There aren’t many true AF Export lagers available, but Kaiserdom Alkoholfrei comes fairly close with its balanced malt profile.
Vienna Lager
This Austrian style has beautiful amber colouring thanks to lightly toasted malts. Expect gentle caramel flavours without becoming sweet, balanced by subtle hops.
It’s a great introduction if you’re looking to move beyond pale lagers.
Try alcohol-free: True alcohol-free Vienna Lagers are still rare, but amber lagers from craft breweries occasionally appear as seasonal releases.
Märzen (Oktoberfest Lager)
Traditionally brewed in March and enjoyed during Oktoberfest, Märzen is richer and maltier than everyday lagers. Think toasted bread, biscuits and a smooth, rounded finish.
Despite the extra flavour, it’s still surprisingly easy to drink.
Try alcohol-free: Erdinger Alkoholfrei isn’t a Märzen (it’s actually a wheat beer), so there isn’t yet a widely available alcohol-free Märzen. Hopefully that’s one style brewers tackle next!
Dunkel
“Dunkel” simply means “dark” in German. These lagers use darker malts that produce flavours of bread crust, chocolate and gentle caramel without becoming heavy like a stout.
They’re wonderfully smooth and perfect during the colder months.
Try alcohol-free: Clausthaler Original offers similar malty characteristics, although dedicated AF Dunkels remain uncommon.
Bock
Bock lagers are traditionally stronger, fuller-bodied beers with rich malt flavours, hints of toffee and very little hop bitterness. They’re warming, satisfying and often enjoyed during winter.
Because they’re naturally higher in alcohol, they’re one of the more difficult styles to recreate alcohol-free.
Try alcohol-free: There are very few true AF Bocks available, although some craft breweries occasionally produce limited editions.
American Lager
Think clean, light and incredibly refreshing. American lagers are designed to be easy drinking rather than flavour-packed, often brewed with rice or corn alongside barley to create a lighter body.
They’re perfect for barbecues, sporting events and hot weather.
Try alcohol-free: Budweiser Zero or Coors Edge both capture the style well.
Japanese Lager
Japanese lagers have become hugely popular over the last decade. They’re incredibly crisp, dry and refreshing, often brewed with rice to create a delicate finish that pairs brilliantly with food.
They’re all about balance and subtlety.
Try alcohol-free: Asahi Super Dry 0.0% is one of the best examples available and stays remarkably close to the original.
Italian Lager
Italian lagers have exploded in popularity thanks to their clean, premium feel. They’re generally light bodied, refreshing and subtly hopped, making them ideal summer beers.
Try alcohol-free: Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% and Birra Moretti Zero are two of the best-known alcohol-free Italian lagers and both deliver plenty of Mediterranean refreshment.
So… Which Lager Is Best?
That’s like asking which pizza topping is best it depends what you’re in the mood for.
If you like crisp and refreshing, try a Pilsner or Japanese lager. Prefer something softer? Go for a Helles. Fancy richer flavours? Explore Dunkel, Vienna Lager or Märzen.
The really exciting part is that alcohol-free brewing is no longer limited to one generic lager. Brewers are now recreating many of these classic styles with impressive accuracy, giving us plenty of choice without the alcohol.
Whether you’re cutting back, taking a break or simply curious, there’s never been a better time to explore the wonderfully varied world of lager.
Have a favourite?
Have you discovered a brilliant alcohol-free lager that deserves a mention? Let me know in the comments I’m always on the lookout for another great pint!
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