What is ale beer? One of the questions most asked by beginner beer tasting fans. Ale is a type of beer that is brewed using a top-fermenting strain of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) at warmer temperatures, generally between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15 and 24 degrees Celsius).
This strain of yeast ferments the beer at the top of the fermentation vessel and tends to produce fruitier, more complex flavours and aromas compared to lagers, which are brewed with bottom-fermenting yeast at cooler temperatures.
Rossendale Brewery has one of the best ale in the region. Open since 1994, located below the Griffin Inn pub, a gem of the town.
Currently, Rossendale Brewery produces 7 excellent ales. From 3.8%, up to 5.3% AVB
The current list with a production capacity of 288 gallons are:
What is ale beer
Ales encompass a wide variety of beer styles, including:
Pale Ale: A hoppy and often moderately bitter beer with a balance of malt sweetness. Variations include American Pale Ale (APA) and India Pale Ale (IPA).
Stout: Dark and rich beer with roasted malt flavours. Varieties include Dry Stout, Sweet Stout, and Imperial Stout.
Porter: Similar to stout but often lighter and with a broader range of flavours, including chocolate and caramel notes.
Belgian Ale: A diverse category of ales that includes Belgian Dubbel, Tripel, and Quadrupel, known for their fruity and spicy yeast character.
Wheat Ale: Brewed with a significant proportion of wheat, resulting in a lighter and sometimes hazy beer. Varieties include Hefeweizen and Witbier.
Amber Ale: A malty and balanced beer with amber to reddish-brown colour. Examples include American Amber Ale and Irish Red Ale.
Barley-wine: A strong and often highly alcoholic ale with a complex malt profile and strong hop presence.
Sour Ale: A style intentionally brewed to be sour, often through the use of wild yeast strains or bacteria. Varieties include Berliner Weisse, Gose, and Lambic.
Scottish Ale: A malt-focused ale with varying levels of sweetness and caramel flavours.
English Bitter: A sessionable, low-alcohol ale with a balanced malt and hop character.
These are just a few examples of the many ale styles available. The specific flavours, aromas, and characteristics of an ale will vary depending on the ingredients used (such as the type of malt and hops), the brewing process, and the yeast strain employed. Ales can range from light and refreshing to dark and complex, making them a diverse and popular category of beer.
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