Beer style

Ale

A broad top-fermented family covering pale ales, IPAs, porters, stouts, wheat beers and many Belgian traditions.

Typical parameters

Fermentation
Top fermentation
Alcohol
% ABV
Bitterness
IBU
Colour
SRM

Sensory profile

History

Ale is the older of the two major modern fermentation families. Its many regional traditions were shaped by local malt, hops, yeast and water.

How it is brewed

Ale strains usually ferment warmer and faster than lager yeast. Fermentation temperature and yeast choice strongly influence ester and phenol formation.