Lagers were first brewed in central Europe over 500 years ago & they have become one of the most popular styles in the world. The term "lager" is a German word meaning "to store", as these beers were typically stored for a number of weeks or months before serving. The average lager is light in color & usually represents the helles, pale ale or pilsner styles. The flavor of these lighter lagers are usually mild with less fruitiness & spiciness than ales, simply because the lower fermentation temperatures cause the yeast to produce fewer esters & phenols. In strength, lagers can represent some of the world's most alcoholic beers. The strongest lagers often fall into the German-originated doppelbock-style with one of the strongest of these, Samichlaus, reaching 14% abv. (* = on tap)