Another example of a beer that has nothing red about it other than its name or label is Red Stripe lager from Jamaica. Distinguishing characteristics in beer, whether a German pilsner, English bitter or American pale ale, begin in the brewing process. Using specific types of specialty malts in the mash gives red or amber beers their distinctive color. Primarily caramel or roasted malts render the reddish hues as well as unique flavors. Unfortunately there are some unscrupulous breweries that add red coloring to their beer to achieve the desired color, then dub it a red beer.
Red beers come in the form of both ales and lagers.
Let's examine briefly what distinguishes an ale from a lager. The type of yeast and fermentation temperature determines whether a beer is an ale or a lager. Originally, all beers were ales, but with the advent of refrigeration and the better understanding of yeast, lager beer was developed and quickly grew in popularity. American red lagers and ales are not recognized beer styles but rather are styles created by slick beer marketers trying to appeal to novice beer drinkers. Nevertheless, brewed with the appropriate malts to achieve a reddish color and characteristic flavor, they are closely akin to American amber lagers and ales, which are recognized styles.