Lager vs Pilsner: What’s the Difference?

Lager vs Pilsner: What’s the Difference?

April 27, 2026Neil Simpson

Lager vs Pilsner: What’s the Difference?

The terms lager and pilsner are often used interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same thing.

Understanding the difference helps you make a better choice - and appreciate what’s in the glass.

What is lager?

Lager is a broad category of beer.

It’s defined by how it’s brewed - using bottom-fermenting yeast at cooler temperatures - which results in a clean, smooth finish.

What is pilsner?

Pilsner is a specific type of lager.

Originally from the Czech Republic, it tends to be lighter, crisper and slightly more bitter, with a more pronounced hop character.

Key differences

Lager is a broader category. It is balanced, clean and widely varied.

Pilsner is a specific style of lager. It is usually lighter, sharper and more hop-forward.

Where Selection sits

Selection is a premium British lager, built around balance and drinkability.

It sits comfortably within the lager category, focusing on a clean, crisp finish rather than pushing bitterness too far.

Final thought

In simple terms, all pilsners are lagers — but not all lagers are pilsners.

Discover our lager.

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