American Lager vs Wingman Craft Lager: Which BrewDog Crisp Lager Wins?

When the sun comes out or you're just craving something clean and easy-drinking, a crisp lager is hard to beat. BrewDog offers two standout options in this space: the classic American Lager and the slightly more adventurous wingman-craft-lager-154242">Wingman Craft Lager. Both are brewed to be refreshing, but they cater to slightly different palates. Let's break down how they compare so you can pick the right one for your next pint.

In this side-by-side comparison, we'll look at appearance, aroma, taste, mouthfeel, and ideal drinking occasions. Whether you're a long-time craft beer fan or just dipping your toes into lagers, understanding the differences between these two BrewDog brews will help you make a confident choice.

Appearance and Aroma

American Lager pours a pale straw colour with a bright, clear body and a fizzy white head that dissipates fairly quickly. The aroma is subtle—think light grain, a hint of corn or rice adjunct, and a faint floral hop note. It's designed to be inoffensive and approachable, much like a traditional pilsner but with a lighter malt character.

Wingman Craft Lager, by contrast, leans slightly deeper in hue—more golden than straw—and often has a slightly bigger, creamier head. The aroma is where it pulls ahead: expect more pronounced Noble or citrusy hop notes, along with a clean malt backbone. It still smells like a lager, but with a craftier, more aromatic profile that hints at its fuller flavour.

• American Lager: pale straw, clear, subtle grain and floral hops.
• Wingman: golden, creamier head, more aromatic with citrus or floral hop notes.

Taste and Mouthfeel

On the palate, American Lager is crisp, light-bodied, and extremely clean. The carbonation is high, giving it a zesty sparkle that finishes dry. There's a mild sweetness from the malt, very low bitterness, and almost no lingering aftertaste. It's the definition of a lawnmower beer—refreshing without demanding attention.

Wingman brings more substance. The body is light-to-medium, with a rounder malt presence and a noticeable hop bitterness that balances the finish. It's still crisp and refreshing, but the flavour lingers longer thanks to the hop oils. If you're used to mass-market lagers, Wingman will feel like a step up in complexity without sacrificing drinkability. For a richer, maltier alternative, BrewDog's Black Heart stout offers a completely different experience.

• American Lager: ultra-light, crisp, dry finish, low bitterness.
• Wingman: fuller body, moderate hop bitterness, lingering finish.
• Black Heart is a great choice if you want a dark, roasty stout instead.

Food Pairings and Occasions

Because of its neutral profile, American Lager pairs beautifully with spicy foods like buffalo wings, tacos, or Thai curries—the crispness cuts through heat without competing. It's also perfect alongside salty snacks, grilled fish, or a simple burger. This is the beer you grab for a barbecue or a day at the beach.

Wingman's hop character makes it a better companion for richer dishes: think fish and chips, fried chicken, or a ploughman's lunch with sharp cheese. The bitterness helps cut through fat, while the malt sweetness complements savoury notes. It's also a solid choice for a casual evening with friends where you want a beer that stands up to conversation.

• American Lager: spicy food, seafood, salty snacks, barbecues.
• Wingman: fried foods, cheese, hearty pub fare, social drinking.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice ultimately depends on how much flavour you want in a crisp beer. If you're after a no-fuss, ultra-refreshing lager that goes down easy and works in any casual setting, American Lager is your best bet. It's the quintessential sessionable lager that doesn't distract from the food or company.

If you want more hop character and a slightly bolder taste while still staying light, Wingman Craft Lager is the upgrade. It's still a lager, but it brings the craft credentials you'd expect from BrewDog. For those exploring the range, Certified Underdog is another crisp lager worth trying, though it leans more towards a European-style pilsner. Both American Lager and Wingman are excellent, so grab a four-pack of each and do your own taste test.

• American Lager: ultimate crispness and neutrality.
• Wingman: more hop flavour and complexity.
• Certified Underdog offers a different lager style for comparison.

Both American Lager and Wingman Craft Lager showcase BrewDog's ability to nail refreshing, clean beers that still feel craft. Whether you keep it classic with American Lager or reach for the bolder Wingman, you're getting a high-quality lager that's perfect for warm days and easy drinking. Try them side by side—you might be surprised which one becomes your new go-to.