Real ale

British dimpled glass pint jug with ale

Real ale is a type of beer that is brewed from traditional ingredients (malted barley, hops, water, and yeast) and matured by secondary fermentation in the container from which it is dispensed, and served without the use of additional carbon dioxide. The term was coined by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) in the early 1970s to differentiate between traditional beer and the mass-produced beer that was becoming increasingly popular at the time.

History

The history of real ale dates back to the early days of brewing in Britain. Traditional brewing methods were used for centuries before the advent of modern brewing techniques. The industrial revolution brought about significant changes in the brewing industry, leading to the development of new brewing methods and the mass production of beer. However, traditional brewing methods continued to be used by some brewers, and real ale remained popular among beer enthusiasts.

Characteristics

Real ale is characterized by its natural carbonation, which is produced by the secondary fermentation process. This gives the beer a unique flavor and texture that is different from beers that are artificially carbonated. Real ale is typically served at cellar temperature, which is around 11-13°C (52-55°F), and is often dispensed using a hand pump, also known as a beer engine.

Brewing Process

The brewing process for real ale involves several key steps:

• **Mashing**: The malted barley is mixed with hot water to extract the sugars.
• **Boiling**: The wort is boiled and hops are added for bitterness and aroma.
• **Fermentation**: The wort is cooled and yeast is added to ferment the sugars into alcohol.
• **Conditioning**: The beer is transferred to casks for secondary fermentation and maturation.

Serving

Real ale is traditionally served from a cask, which allows the beer to continue maturing and developing its flavor. The cask is tapped and the beer is dispensed using a hand pump or gravity. Real ale should be consumed within a few days of tapping to ensure it remains fresh and retains its unique characteristics.

Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA)

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is a consumer organization that was founded in 1971 to promote and protect real ale, traditional British pubs, and the rights of beer drinkers. CAMRA has played a significant role in the revival of real ale and has helped to raise awareness of the importance of traditional brewing methods.

Related Pages

• Beer
• Brewing
• Campaign for Real Ale
• Beer engine
• Cask ale
• Yeast
• Hops