Real ale, also known as cask beer or cask-conditioned ale, is known for it’s fuller flavours and aromas. Its name was coined by CAMRA in the 70’s to refer to beer that is brewed using traditional methods and ingredients. Real ale is brewed using four main ingredients: malted barley, hops, water, and yeast. The yeast helps it to produce carbon dioxide, which gives the beer its natural fizz. The process involves the maturing of the beer in the cask by secondary fermentation. The beer is also able to be served by traditional hand pulls and doesn’t need the use of extraneous carbon dioxide.

So what makes real ale different from other beers? Well, for one thing, it’s not pasteurised or filtered, which means it retains more of the natural flavours and aromas of the ingredients. Keg beer is filtered and pasteurised at the brewery to prevent any further development, and is referred to as brewery-conditioned. This gives it a longer shelf life but quite commonly at the expense of flavour. Real ale carries on fermenting and maturing in its cask and is referred to as a “living beer”. 

Real ale is loved by many for its complexity of flavour, it’s variety of styles, and its connection to local and regional brewing traditions. It comes in a wide range of styles, each with its own unique flavour and character. Some popular styles include bitter, mild, pale ale, porter, stout, and barley wine. 

Bitter is a classic English style with a moderate hop bitterness and a clean finish. Mild is a less hoppy style with a lower alcohol content and a sweeter taste. Pale ale is a refreshing and hoppy style with a crisp finish. Porter is a dark and rich style with notes of chocolate and coffee. Stout is a full-bodied and creamy style with a roasted flavour. Barley wine is a strong and complex style with a high alcohol content and a rich, fruity taste. Whether you prefer a light and refreshing pale ale or a dark and rich porter, there is a real ale style to suit every taste.