Outboard beer, also known as Cream Ale, is a unique style of beer that combines the best characteristics of both ales and lagers. It is produced using American ale yeasts or lager yeasts fermented at high temperatures, resulting in a smooth and refreshing brew.
One popular example of a Cream Ale is Iron City Beer, brewed by Pittsburgh Brewing Company, formerly known as Iron City Brewing Company. Located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this beer company has gained recognition for its high-quality brews, including Iron City Beer, I.C. Light Beer, I.C. Light Mango, Old German, and Block House Brewing.
Cream Ales stand out from other beer styles due to their fermentation process. While traditional ales are fermented at warmer temperatures using ale yeast, and lagers are fermented at cooler temperatures using lager yeast, Cream Ales utilize a combination of both. This unique approach gives Cream Ales their distinct flavor profile.
The use of American ale yeast in Cream Ales contributes to their fruity and estery characteristics, adding a touch of complexity to the beer. On the other hand, using lager yeast fermented at higher temperatures helps to create a clean and crisp finish, similar to that of a traditional lager.
The result is a beer that has a light to medium body and a pale golden color. Cream Ales are known for their smooth and creamy mouthfeel, with a subtle malt sweetness balanced by a mild hop bitterness. They are often highly carbonated, making them refreshing and easy to drink.
Iron City Beer, produced by Pittsburgh Brewing Company, showcases the best qualities of Cream Ales. It offers a well-balanced flavor profile with a light malt sweetness and a hint of hop bitterness. The smooth and creamy texture of this beer makes it a popular choice among beer enthusiasts in the Pittsburgh area.
Whether you're a fan of ales or lagers, Cream Ales like Iron City Beer offer a unique and enjoyable drinking experience. The combination of American ale yeast and lager yeast fermented at high temperatures results in a beer that is both flavorful and refreshing. So, the next time you're looking for a new beer to try, consider reaching for a Cream Ale like Iron City Beer, and savor the best of both worlds.
What Makes A Cream Ale?
A cream ale is a type of beer that is known for its unique fermentation process. Unlike other types of ales or lagers, cream ales are fermented using American ale yeasts or lager yeasts that are fermented at high temperatures. In some cases, brewers may even use a combination of both ale and lager yeasts in their production of cream ales.
Here are some key characteristics and features of cream ales:
1. Fermentation: Cream ales are typically fermented using American ale yeasts or lager yeasts. These yeasts are chosen for their ability to produce a clean and crisp flavor profile.
2. Temperature: The fermentation process for cream ales takes place at higher temperatures compared to traditional lagers. This higher temperature fermentation contributes to the unique flavor and aroma of cream ales.
3. Flavor profile: Cream ales are known for their smooth and balanced flavor. They often have a light to medium body, with a slightly sweet maltiness and low to moderate hop bitterness. The use of ale yeasts can also contribute to fruity and estery flavors, while lager yeasts may add a clean and crisp character.
4. Appearance: Cream ales typically have a pale to golden color, similar to other light lagers. They are often clear and effervescent, with a creamy white head.
5. Carbonation: Cream ales are typically well-carbonated, with a moderate to high level of carbonation. This helps to enhance the overall refreshing and crisp nature of the beer.
6. Serving temperature: Cream ales are best served cold, usually between 38°F to 45°F (3°C to 7°C), similar to other light lagers.
7. Food pairings: Due to their light and refreshing nature, cream ales pair well with a variety of foods. They complement lighter dishes such as salads, seafood, grilled chicken, and mild cheeses. The crispness and carbonation of cream ales can help cleanse the palate and enhance the flavors of these dishes.
Cream ales are a unique beer style that combines the fermentation characteristics of both ales and lagers. The use of American ale yeasts or lager yeasts fermented at higher temperatures results in a smooth, balanced, and refreshing beer with a light to medium body, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more approachable and easy-drinking beer.
Conclusion
Pittsburgh Brewing Company's Iron City Beer is a notable player in the beer industry, offering a range of unique brews that cater to different taste preferences. Among their offerings, the Cream Ale stands out as a distinctive choice. What sets Cream Ales apart is the use of American ale yeasts or lager yeasts fermented at high temperatures, or sometimes a combination of both. This brewing technique results in a beer that combines the smoothness and drinkability of an ale with the crispness and refreshing qualities of a lager.
Iron City Beer's Cream Ale is a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation. By utilizing a blend of ale and lager yeasts, they have crafted a beer that delivers a unique taste experience. This blend allows for the development of complex flavors while maintaining a clean and smooth finish. Whether you prefer the rich and malty notes of an ale or the crisp and subtle flavors of a lager, this Cream Ale offers the best of both worlds.
Furthermore, Pittsburgh Brewing Company's extensive portfolio of brands, including I.C. Light Beer, I.C. Light Mango, Old German, and Block House Brewing, showcases their dedication to providing a diverse range of options for beer enthusiasts. With each brand catering to different tastes and preferences, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Pittsburgh Brewing Company's Iron City Beer and its Cream Ale exemplify the brewer's commitment to quality, innovation, and meeting the diverse needs of beer consumers. Whether you're a fan of ales, lagers, or something in between, their offerings are sure to impress and satisfy. So, raise a glass and toast to the excellence that is Iron City Beer's Cream Ale.
