What Makes a Beer an Ale?Jun 12 '01 (Updated Oct 28 '06) Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Ale is characterized by the top- fermentation process and its usually more full- flavored than lager.
Have you ever wondered why some malt beverages are referred to as ale, and others as lager? When you see these different designations on a bottle of beer, do you have any idea what taste characteristics to expect? Do you know the differences in brewing that distinguish ale from lager? Ale and lager are the two main categories for beer. These two broad categorizations include all the popular beer styles, although most people have no idea what the differences are. Let’s focus on the characteristics of ale and what makes it different from lager. What Makes an Ale?: The primary distinction of ale is the fermentation process. When the wort (pre- fermented malt and hop) mixture is ready for fermentation, the brewer adds yeast, which then converts the wort to beer. The type of yeast used is what will determine whether or not the beer is classified as ale or lager. Ale yeast is commonly referred to as “top- fermenting”. What this means is that the mixture of wort, after yeast has been added, will begin to form a thick layer of foaming action on the top of the wort. If you have experimented with making homebrewed ale, you have probably witnessed this. The bubbling action takes place at the top of the mixture, as the yeast converts the malt sugar into ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide. Ales were the first beers to be produced. Ale is fermented in warmer temperatures than lager- around 60 to 75 degrees. Ales also ferment faster than lager. Taste Characteristics of Ale: When ale is brewed, the top- fermenting yeast produces a large amount of esters. An ester is any of a class of organic compounds corresponding to inorganic salts that are formed from an organic acid and an alcohol. These esters impart a fruity taste to the ale. Pale ale and India Pale Ale, in particular, often have a citrus- like taste, resulting from the esters. Ales usually have a sharper, stronger taste than lager, with a more pronounced flavor of hops. The alcohol level of ale is generally stronger than that of lagers, but this isn’t always true. You can’t just assume that your glass of ale is going to be more alcoholic than a glass of lager. There are some lagers that are just as strong as some types of ale, and there are some ales that are less alcoholic than their strong taste indicates. You need to read the label, or do a little research, to know for certain. One other consideration to make, when serving ale, is the temperature. Ale is usually more complex than lager and it tastes best if served a little warmer. Unlike lager, which people like to drink very cold, ale is best served around 50 degrees. If ale is served too cold, the cold temperature will numb the palate and many of the good, complex flavors will be hidden. It’s still very common for restaurants (and individuals) to serve their ale ice- cold, but it was really never intended to be drank this way. As a general rule, ale will taste best if you allow it to warm up just a little bit. Types of Ale: Although ale is not as popular in the United States as lager, there are actually more styles of beer that fall under the ale classification than the lager category. Remember- any beer that uses top- fermenting yeast is, in effect, an ale. Ales include most of my personal favorite beer styles. Some types are obvious because they include the word “ale” as part of the name. This would include such styles as Pale Ale, India Pale Ale, Cream Ale, and Scotch Ale. Other beer types that fall into the ale category are Stout, Porter, Barley Wine, and Kolsch. Wheat beers are a mixed lot. Most wheat beer is ale, but some are brewed as lager. Final Thoughts: I prefer my beer to be rich, heavy, and as full- bodied as possible. Because of this, it only makes sense that I prefer ale instead of lager. Speaking generally, I would almost always choose a bottle of ale over a bottle of lager, but there are some exceptions. Ale is more popular in some countries than others. In England, for example, ale is the standard beer of choice. In the United States, lagers are more popular because they have been the standard of mass- brewing for quite some time. I would like to see the trend change, and have more American brewers produce ale, but I’m not holding my breath. So, there you have it, a short educational lesson on the characteristics of ale. Next time you’re asked to define the differences between ale and lager, you won't have to stand there with a look of confusion on your face. You can speak confidently, and impress your friends with your vast knowledge. Cheers! Be Sure to Click the Links Below to Read Advice on Other Beer Types: What Should You Know About Pilsner Beers What Should You Know About Blonde Beers What Should You Know about Dunkles Beers What Should You Know About Black & Tan Beers What Should You Know About Porter Beers What Should You Know About Stout Beers What Should You Know About IPA Beers What Should You Know About Wheat Beers What Should You Know About Bock Beers What Should You Know About Doppelbock Beers What Should You Know About Lager Beers  |
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