Bell's Lager of the Lakes
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Tasting Notes
Lager of the Lakes pours with a clean grain character upfront, with subtle floral and mild hop notes that keep the bitterness low and unobtrusive. The body is light to medium, with a smooth malt backbone that leans toward biscuit and cracker without straying into heaviness. The finish is dry and relatively short, leaving the palate clean. Typical of the American lager style, it prioritizes balance and drinkability over assertive flavor complexity.
About the Brewery
Bell's Brewery is based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and has been a cornerstone of the Midwest craft beer scene since Larry Bell founded it in 1985. Known primarily for flagship beers like Two Hearted Ale and Oberon, Bell's has built a reputation for consistent, well-made ales, though its lager program reflects a broader range. The brewery was acquired by Lion Little World Beverages in 2021 but continues to operate out of Michigan with its original brand identity largely intact.
Food Pairings
The beer's clean grain profile and dry finish make it a natural companion to grilled bratwurst, where the malt softness complements the fatty snap of the sausage casing. Fried fish or fish tacos work well because the restrained bitterness cuts through oil without overpowering delicate white fish. A simple rotisserie chicken pairs cleanly, letting the bird's seasoning take center stage. Mild cheeses like Muenster or Havarti match the beer's understated character without clashing.
Style Guide
American lager is defined by its light body, low hop bitterness, and clean fermentation character derived from using adjuncts like corn or rice alongside barley malt. The style traces its commercial roots to late 19th-century German immigrant brewers who adapted European lager traditions to local ingredients and mass-market tastes. It sits lighter and less malt-forward than a German Märzen or a Czech pilsner, and lacks the hop intensity of an American pilsner-style craft beer. At 5%, Lager of the Lakes sits squarely within the standard ABV range for the style.