When is a lager not a lager?

[noby]

this is not a riddle, as the title might suggest. I was brewing my first non-Kit brew, loosely based on a pilsner recipe, but I have ended up with what I would consider an ale. This is by no means a bad thing, as it tastes very nice, but should I just bluff it, and tell everyone I brewed an ale instead?

Off the top of my head, I used:

1.8Kg John Bull Pilsner kit (hopped)
1.5Kg Light LME
Hallertaeur Hops
1 oz for 30min
1/2oz for 15 min
1/2 oz for 2 min
WYeast Pilsner
2Gallon boil, made up to 5G

OG 1.042
FG 1.012

Since half my extract was hopped, I reduced the amount I put in, and Hallertaeur was all I had at the time. Fermented @ 50F approx.
Now it's bottled and conditioning at 50F again, with about 2 weeks.
Tried one lastnight: Deep amber colour, real smooth taste, probably could have used more hops, but not what I would call a Lager.

I would appreciate any thoughts

cheers,
noby

[brewmonkey]

A lager is any beer fermented with a lager/pilsner strain (bottom fermenting) and generally at cooler temps (42-52F). The use of these strains provides a crisp and clean profile unlike an ale strain that at higher temps will impart esters and flavors.

[noby]

so I guess what I have is technically a lager. it just reminds me more of an ale.
Still, it'll get a good home:)

[brewmonkey]

Might be closer to what is known as a California Common ala Anchor Steam beer.