There are three main differences --
1) Yeast
In general, ales are made with top fermenting yeast and lagers with bottom fermenting yeast.
2) Temperature of fermentation
Ales ferment typically between 64 and 70 degrees F, and lagers ferment generally between 52 and 58 F.
3) Taste
Ales can be described as “hearty, robust and fruity” and lagers are referred to as being “crisp, clean, and smooth.”
I went to the Homebrewers Rally at the Abita Brewery and remember them mentioning Abita hosting a homebrew competition in the near future. I was just wondering when this competition would be held?