National Lager Day comes around every December, and for anyone who loves a clean, refreshing beer, it is basically a holiday worth circling on the calendar. Lagers are the beers you reach for when you want something cold, crisp, and easy to drink. They are simple on the surface, but they reward you if you pay attention.
At M.L.Rose Neighborhood Pub our taps lean heavily into local brewing talent while still pouring the familiar classics, which makes today the perfect time to talk about the lagers we love and why they deserve a little appreciation.
What Makes a Lager a Lager?
Beer enthusiasts can argue all day about hops, malt, yeast strains, fermentation temps and so on. But when you boil it down, a lager is all about clean flavor. At cooler temperatures, the yeast works, the beer mellows out, and the result is that easy, refreshing finish people always describe as crisp. It is the beer style that does not try to steal the show. Instead, it lets the ingredients do the talking.
Here is why so many drinkers stick with lagers year-round:
- A crisp, dry finish
- A light to medium body
- Subtle grain or malt notes
- Refreshing drinkability
- Lower levels of hop bitterness compared to IPAs
It is no surprise that lagers are the go-to beers at the table when the burgers start landing.
The Lagers Worth Ordering
Our beer menu rotates constantly, but some lagers have earned their place because they are dependable, flavorful, and just plain fun to drink. Here is a look at the ones we find ourselves recommending again and again.
Music City Light Lager
Music City Light is one of those beers that disappears quickly because it drinks so easily. It is lightly hopped, very smooth, and exactly what you want when you are settling in with a burger or catching the game. At 4.1 percent ABV, it stays in the sessionable zone, which keeps the table happy.
M.L.Rose Owl Lager
Owl Lager is a great example of how simple ingredients can shine. It leans on Pilsner malt and crisp German hops, and the balance makes it feel classic without being bland. If you want something crafty but not too heavy, this one is a strong pick.
Fat Bottom Teddy Loves Cerveza
Mexican lagers have become a staple for a reason. They are bright, smooth, and refreshing, and Teddy Loves Cerveza checks all those boxes. It is the kind of beer you order once and then immediately want a second because it just fits whatever you are eating.
Von Elrod’s Neighborhood Pilsner
Since this one was brewed in collaboration with our sister restaurant and Jackalope Brewing Co., it has a special place on our list. Neighborhood Pilsner is clean, snappy, and true to the traditional style. If you love a crisp Pilsner with lively carbonation, you will not be disappointed.
Montucky Cold Snacks Lager
Montucky fans know exactly what they are getting. This beer stays light and refreshing from the first sip to the last. It is simple, reliable, and perfect for a casual round with friends.
Daura Lager
Daura is a gluten-reduced lager that preserves the classic flavor. If you want to enjoy a traditional lager experience while cutting down on gluten, this is the one to reach for.
Black Abbey Original Lager
This Munich-style lager brings a little more malt character but still stays balanced and easy to drink. At 4.9 percent ABV, it offers just enough richness for cooler weather while keeping that clean finish people expect from a true lager.
Why Lagers Work So Well with Our Menu
Lagers are the utility players of the beer world. They step into any situation and make it better. Burgers, hot chicken, fries, spicy dips, hearty sandwiches, and lighter salads. Lagers never clash with food, and that is part of their magic. They clear your palate between bites, letting the flavors shine without overwhelming anything.
These beers work especially well with almost everything on our menu:
- Burgers: A clean, crisp lager cuts right through the melty American cheese and awesome sauce, keeping every bite feeling fresh.
- Loaded Fries: All that melted cheddar, bacon, and green onion calls for something that resets your palate instead of competing with the richness.
- Buffalo Wings: When the heat kicks in, a cold, clean lager is the easiest way to balance it. The crisp finish cools everything down between bites, especially with buffalo or sriracha honey sauces.
- Pretzel Bites: Salty pretzels and crisp lagers have been best friends forever. The carbonation and light grain character brighten the dip, making this pairing feel effortless.
If you are not sure what beer to pair with dinner, a lager is almost always the safest and most satisfying choice.
Celebrate National Lager Day at M.L.Rose Neighborhood Pub
Whether you stick with the classics you already love or want to try something new, M.L.Rose has a lager waiting for you. Our beer list always mixes local brews with national staples, which means you can taste the spectrum of what lager lovers appreciate.
On National Lager Day, let the clean, refreshing beers take the spotlight and raise a glass to the style that never goes out of season. We hope to see you at your nearest neighborhood location to celebrate.