lager beer.

Most lagers are best consumed within 6 to 9 months of the bottling date. Check the 'best by' date on the packaging for optimal freshness.

Freezing is not recommended for drinking as it ruins carbonation and flavor. However, you can freeze it in ice cube trays to use later for cooking stews or sauces.

Non-alcoholic beer is the best substitute. Alternatively, use chicken or vegetable broth, ginger ale, or white grape juice depending on the recipe's flavor profile.

Most modern mass-produced lagers are vegan. However, some traditional breweries may use fining agents like isinglass (fish bladder) or gelatin. Check the brand's specific vegan status if concerned.

Skunking occurs when UV light reacts with hop compounds in the beer. This is why beer is often sold in brown bottles, which block more light than green or clear glass.

Lagers are fermented at cooler temperatures using bottom-fermenting yeast, resulting in a cleaner, crisper taste compared to the fruitier, faster-fermented ales.

Look for the freshest bottling date possible and choose beer stored in a refrigerated, dark area. Avoid bottles that have been sitting under bright fluorescent lights.