As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the privilege of experiencing a wide range of beers, including both keg beer and real ale. When it comes to the question of whether keg beer can be considered real ale, the answer is unfortunately no. While keg beer can certainly be of high quality and offer innovative flavors, it lacks some key characteristics that define real ale.
One of the main differences between keg beer and real ale lies in the process of fermentation and conditioning. Real ale undergoes a secondary fermentation in the cask or container from which it is dispensed. This means that the beer continues to develop and mature in flavor while it is sitting in the cask, allowing the yeast to interact with the beer and create unique flavors and aromas. Keg beer, on the other hand, is typically filtered to remove any remaining yeast and then artificially carbonated. This halts the fermentation process and prevents the beer from further developing its flavors in the dispense container.
The lack of conditioning in the dispense container is another factor that sets keg beer apart from real ale. In the case of real ale, the beer is conditioned in the cask for a period of time before it is served. This conditioning helps to mellow out any harsh flavors and allows the beer to become more balanced and smooth. Keg beer, on the other hand, is typically conditioned in a separate tank or vessel before it is packaged into kegs. This means that it may not have the same level of conditioning as real ale, and the flavors and carbonation may be artificially controlled.
Furthermore, the carbonation in keg beer is typically achieved through the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) rather than the natural carbonation that occurs in real ale. While this can result in a consistent level of carbonation and a certain mouthfeel, it lacks the natural effervescence and complexity that can be found in naturally carbonated real ale.
It is important to note that the distinction between keg beer and real ale is not a judgment on the quality of the beer itself. There are many excellent keg beers available, crafted with care and precision. However, the term “real ale” is reserved for beers that meet specific criteria and adhere to traditional brewing methods.
While keg beer may offer a wide range of flavors and be of high quality, it cannot be classified as real ale. The process of filtration, artificial carbonation, and lack of conditioning in the dispense container differentiate keg beer from the unique characteristics that define real ale. Both styles have their merits and can be enjoyed in their own right, but it is important to understand the distinctions between them.