Top and bottom fermented beer easily explained - what's the difference?

Beer, the refreshing drink loved worldwide, comes in many different varieties and flavors. One of the most important distinctions that can be made between types of beer concerns the yeast used in fermentation. There are two main categories of beer: top-fermented and bottom-fermented beer. In this blog post, we will easily explain the difference between these two types of beer and provide a mnemonic to make them easier to remember.

What is the difference?

The main difference between top and bottom fermented beer lies in the yeast and the fermentation temperature:

1. Top-fermented beer:

   • The yeast used for fermentation settles at the top of the fermentation liquid.
   • Fermentation takes place at warmer temperatures, usually between 15°C and 24°C.
   • Top-fermented beer tends to have a fruitier and ester-like taste and a richer aroma.

2. Bottom-fermented beer:

   • The yeast used for fermentation settles at the bottom of the fermentation liquid.
   • Fermentation takes place at cooler temperatures, usually between 7°C and 13°C.
   • Bottom-fermented beer tends to have a cleaner, lighter taste and milder aroma.

Eselsbrücke: “Swimming and Diving”

A simple mnemonic for remembering the difference between top and bottom fermented beer is the image of "swimming and diving." Remember that the yeast in top-fermented beer floats “at the top,” while the yeast in bottom-fermented beer sinks “at the bottom.” This is an easy way to remember how the yeast acts in the two types of beer and how the fermentation temperatures differ.

Which types of beer belong to which category?

Now that you know the difference between top and bottom fermented beer, here are some examples:

• Top-fermented beers: Kölsch, Alt, Pale Ale, India Pale Ale (IPA), wheat beer, stout, ale.
• Bottom-fermented beers: Pilsner, Lager, Helles, Bockbier, Export, Schwarzbier.

The difference between top- and bottom-fermented beer plays an important role in the variety and taste of beers. By using the "swim and dive" mnemonic, you can more easily determine which beer you want to enjoy depending on your tastes and preferences. Bottom up!