Beer styles – ale vs. lager: Which of the following is NOT an ale type of beer?

Introduction / Context:
Beer styles are broadly categorized into ales (top-fermenting yeasts, warmer fermentation) and lagers (bottom-fermenting yeasts, cooler fermentation). Correctly classifying common styles is fundamental in brewing science.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Ales: Weiss (wheat), porter, stout, altbier are traditionally ale fermentations.
• Pilsener is the classic pale lager style from Plzeň.
• Fermentation temperature/yeast type defines the category more than color or bitterness.

Concept / Approach:
Ales use Saccharomyces cerevisiae at roughly 18–22°C; lagers use S. pastorianus (carlsbergensis) at about 8–13°C with a lagering period. Pilsener’s crisp profile and sulfur/mineral notes reflect lager fermentation and cold conditioning, distinguishing it from ale counterparts.

Step-by-Step Solution:
List which options are ales. Identify Pilsener as a lager style. Select the single item that is not an ale.

Verification / Alternative check:
Style guidelines (e.g., BJCP) classify weiss/porter/stout/alt as ales and pilsener/pils as lagers.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Weiss, porter, stout, altbier are fermented with ale yeast and thus are ale styles.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming color (dark vs. pale) equates to ale vs. lager; fermentation parameters are the key.

Final Answer:
Pilsener.