Beer alternative to a 38-Down

LAGER

This crisp, bottom-fermented brew is often lighter in color and flavor than its ale counterparts, popular in many European traditions.

This clue plays off a common crossword trick where "38-Down" is likely "ALE," a type of beer. The answer, "LAGER," is another major beer style, making it a direct alternative. If you know basic beer types, the connection is straightforward—no wordplay, just a simple category swap. The clue assumes you’ll recognize "ALE" as the reference point and pick its beer counterpart.