Beer Explained: Part 2 – Ale Styles

So the last post I introduced everyone to the different types of beers available today.  We talked (well, not really talked, I wrote, you read) about Ales and Lagers as well as the differences. In today’s post we are going to look at the different styles available in the Ales. Now there are quite a few, too many to list in one post, so today we will look at the more popular styles!

Barley Wine: Considered one of the most prized of Ales, Barley Wines have the strength of wine with the complexity of a fine cognac. Barley Wines, like wine, get better with age. They often have a rich, deep warmth that starts with the alcohol and finishes with malty sweetness.

Belgian Browns: This classic style that comes from Flanders Belgium has a wonderful sweet and yet sour maltiness. There a three different ages and strengths of the Belgian Browns.

Golden/Blonde: This often fruity tasting Ale is a bit on the lighter side and generally has a bit less alcohol than other ales. Although there have been Blondes that are a bit higher as in the very drinkable Duvel with an 8.5% ABV.

India Pale Ale: One of the more popular styles, the IPA is considered the star of the brewing world. Born out of necessity, the IPA came into being when the British first colonized India. Beer was sent to the troops from Britain to India and in order to make the long journey without spoiling, the beer was loaded down with hops and alcohol to take advantage of their preservative value. The brewers of today’s IPAs are pushing the envelope of strength and bitterness; at both Tribes locations we have an extensive selection of award winning IPAs!

Lambics & Fruit Lambics: Lambics are considered one of the oldest styles of beer (and beer brewing), originally created in Brussels, the style is more like wine or champagne. With brewing that includes raw wheat along with malted barley and wild yeast; most Lambics are aged in wooden casks that give a fruitful tartness to the finish. In Fruit Lambics, fruit is added to the brewing during the final stages causing further fermentation and giving the beer the subtle sweet, dryness of pink Champagne!

Pale Ales: While Pale Ales are not traditionally pale in color, Pale Ales were named as such to distinguish them from the Porters and Stouts. Most Pale Ales have a low to medium maltiness with English hops that provide a very nice bitterness.

Porters: Porters date back as far as the 1700’s and was one of the first beer styles to gain national distribution. First developed when beer making was untested and still evolving, the smoky color and roasty flavors helped to cover defects in the original brews.

I hope you are all finding this useful and fin to learn! Why not bring your new found knowledge into one of our locations and put your knowledge to the test? Our very friendly wait staff and bartenders are all available to help tutor you!

There are still quite a few Ale styles to go! Check back again for more and then…onto the lagers!!