Why might a judge be concerned about the clarity of an Amber Lager?

Clarity is indeed a crucial aspect of Amber Lager that judges evaluate because each beer style has specific expectations regarding appearance, including clarity. For Amber Lagers, which are characterized by their amber to light copper hues and typically feature a clear appearance, judges expect them to be free from haze unless otherwise specified in the style guidelines.

A clear beer showcases proper brewing techniques and ingredient choices, such as effective clarification processes and quality ingredients. When a judge assesses clarity against the established style parameters, any deviation may suggest potential flaws in production, such as incomplete fermentation or improper filtration. Thus, clarity serves as an important quality indicator that helps ensure the beer adheres to its intended style.

In contrast, clarity does not directly impact aroma or indicate alcohol content, nor is it solely relevant for ales. Both lagers and ales can have clear or cloudy presentations depending on the specific style guidelines, making clarity a universally relevant characteristic for assessing all beer types, not limited to ales.