A Brief Tour Around British Beer Styles
By far the most popular beer style sold in the UK is Lager. Typically a light, clear, sparkling brew served cold, but as it is of European origin and not a traditional British style, it will not be included in this article.
The principal styles of traditional British beer sold in the UK fall into the following categories; Barley wine, Bitter, Brown ale, India Pale Ale, Mild, Porter and Stout.
Barley Wine – This is the strongest of beer styles regularly sold in the UK. It typically reaches an alcohol strength of 8 to 12% by volume. The name Barley Wine refers to the fact it can be as strong as a wine. However the fact it is made from grain and not fruit means it is a beer. It should be sipped as you would a wine, and it has a fruity well aged sweet flavour and a deep amber or reddish brown colour.
Bitter – Typically ranges in strength from 3 to 5% alcohol by volume. It originated from brewers who wanted to differentiate these ales from other mild brews, produced from pale malts and more hops. Most are gold to copper in colour and are light bodied. Low carbonation. Alcohol should be low and not perceived. Hop bitterness is moderate to assertive. Most have a fruitiness in the aroma and flavour.
Brown Ale – Typically ranges in strength from 4 to 8% alcohol by volume. It’s colour ranges from deep amber to brown.The roasted malt gives them a caramel or chocolate undertone. Brown ales from northeastern England tend to be strong and malty, often nutty, while those from southern England are usually darker, sweeter and lower in alcohol.
India Pale Ale – Or IPA, typically ranges in strength from 4 to 7% alcohol by volume. First brewed in England during the late 1700s and exported for the British troops in India . So it could survive the long voyage to India they were well-hopped, as hops are a natural preservative. Basically a standard Pale Ale, but much maltier, with a higher alcohol content.
Mild – Typically ranges in strength from 2 to 6%. Mild has a very light hop character. Alcohol content is very low. Grainy or toasty malts might be present. Colours range from gold to dark brown. Traditionally a cheaper draft beer made popular in London and the Midlands of England.
Porter – Typically ranges in strength from 4 to 7%. Brewed originally in London, this dark beer was a cheap mass produced brew which got it’s name from it’s popularity amongst the market and river porters working in London at the time. Hop bitterness is moderate on the whole and colour ranges from brown to black. They are very complex and interesting beers.
Stout – Typically ranges in strength from 4 to 7%. Stouts are usually dark brown to pitch black in color. They can be similar to Porters in many ways. Stouts, in some but not all cases are made using roasted barley or unmalted barley that is kilned to the point of being charred, which gives the beer a dry character and a huge roasted flavour that can range from burnt to coffee to chocolate.
This wraps up my brief foray into British beer styles. It is a huge subject and I don’t pretend to have done anything more than scratch the surface here. If I have inspired you to embark on your own tasting journey hope you enjoy a new discovery along the way, or a renewed interest in this most noble and complex of beverages.
Author: Tony Kitson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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