Real ale brewing is a time-honored tradition that has been passed down through generations. It is a process that involves using only the finest ingredients and allowing the beer to naturally mature and ferment in the container from which it is dispensed. This method creates a beer that is full of flavor and character, with a depth that cannot be replicated by modern brewing techniques.
The key to real ale brewing lies in the use of traditional ingredients. Malted barley, hops, water, and yeast are the basic building blocks of a great real ale. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the brewing process, and the quality of these ingredients directly impacts the final product. Brewers who are passionate about real ale take great care in selecting the best ingredients available, ensuring that each batch of beer is crafted with precision and attention to detail.
Once the ingredients are gathered, the brewing process begins. The malted barley is crushed and mixed with hot water to create a mash, which is then allowed to steep for a period of time. This process extracts the sugars and flavors from the barley, creating a sweet, malty liquid known as wort. The wort is then boiled and hops are added. Hops provide bitterness, aroma, and flavor to the beer, balancing out the sweetness of the malt. After boiling, the wort is cooled and transferred to a fermentation vessel, where yeast is added.
This is where the magic happens. The yeast ferments the sugars in the wort, converting them into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Unlike modern brewing methods, real ale is allowed to undergo a secondary fermentation in the container from which it is dispensed. This means that the beer is still alive and active when it reaches the consumer, resulting in a unique drinking experience. The carbonation in real ale is natural and comes from the fermentation process, rather than being artificially added.
The final step in real ale brewing is the serving. Real ale is typically served from a cask or keg, without the use of extraneous carbon dioxide. This allows the beer to retain its natural carbonation and flavors, creating a smooth and creamy texture. The serving temperature of real ale is also crucial, as it can greatly impact the overall taste and experience. Real ale is typically served at a slightly warmer temperature than other beers, allowing the flavors to fully develop and shine.
Real ale brewing is a labor of love, requiring skill, patience, and a deep understanding of the brewing process. It is a craft that has been perfected over centuries and has become a beloved tradition in many parts of the world. The dedication and passion of real ale brewers are evident in every sip, as the beer delivers a complexity and richness that is unparalleled. So next time you have the opportunity, give real ale a try and experience the true flavor of tradition.
Who Owns Real Ale Brewing Company?
Real Ale Brewing Company is owned by Brad Farbstein and his wife Gabriel Gregerman. They are the proud owners and have played a significant role in shaping the company's identity and success. Their belief in minimal processing to achieve maximum flavor has been a cornerstone of Real Ale's philosophy. Over the years, they have remained committed to this principle, ensuring that the company continues to produce high-quality, flavorful beers. Their dedication and passion for their craft have helped Real Ale become the renowned brewery it is today.
What Makes A Beer Real Ale?
Real ale is a type of beer that is crafted using traditional ingredients such as malted barley, hops, water, and yeast. It goes through a process of secondary fermentation inside the container from which it is served, without any additional carbon dioxide being added. This method of brewing and serving sets real ale apart from other types of beer.
To further explain what makes a beer real ale, let's break it down into key points:
1. Ingredients: Real ale is made using malted barley, which provides the fermentable sugars necessary for the brewing process. Hops are added to impart bitterness, flavor, and aroma to the beer. Water is the primary liquid used in brewing, and yeast is responsible for fermentation, converting the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
2. Secondary Fermentation: After the initial fermentation, where yeast consumes the sugars and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide, real ale undergoes a secondary fermentation. This occurs within the container from which it is dispensed, such as a cask or keg. Unlike other beers that may be carbonated artificially or through force carbonation, real ale's carbonation is a natural byproduct of this secondary fermentation.
3. Dispensing: Real ale is served directly from the container in which it was fermented. It is not artificially carbonated or pressurized with extraneous carbon dioxide. Instead, the carbonation level is determined by the fermentation process itself. The beer is typically drawn from the container using a hand pump or gravity, allowing the natural carbonation to be maintained.
4. No Additional Carbonation: Real ale does not rely on the use of extraneous carbon dioxide to create carbonation. This means that it may have a softer carbonation compared to other beers. The absence of added carbon dioxide allows the flavors and aromas of the beer to shine through, providing a more authentic taste experience.
Real ale is a beer that adheres to traditional brewing methods and is served without the use of added carbon dioxide. It is crafted using malted barley, hops, water, and yeast, and undergoes secondary fermentation in the serving container. This results in a naturally carbonated beer with unique flavors and aromas.
What Is The Difference Between Craft Beer And Real Ale?
Craft beer and real ale are both popular choices among beer enthusiasts, but they have distinct differences in terms of brewing methods and characteristics. Here is a detailed explanation of the differences between these two types of beer:
Craft beer:
– Craft beer is a modern beer style that has gained prominence in recent years.
– It is typically brewed by small, independent breweries that focus on quality and innovation.
– Craft beer is known for its wide range of flavors, styles, and ingredients, often incorporating unique and experimental elements.
– The brewing process for craft beer involves using high-quality ingredients such as specialty malts, hops, and yeast strains.
– Craft breweries often take inspiration from traditional beer styles but put their own twist on them, resulting in a diverse and creative range of flavors.
– Craft beer is usually brewed in smaller batches, allowing for more attention to detail and customization.
– It is commonly available in bottles, cans, and on tap at bars and restaurants.
Real ale:
– Real ale is a traditional British beer style that has been around for centuries.
– It is brewed using traditional methods and ingredients, with an emphasis on natural fermentation and conditioning.
– Real ale is typically served from a cask, which is a container that allows for secondary fermentation and natural carbonation.
– The brewing process for real ale involves using malted barley, hops, water, and yeast, with no additional carbonation or filtering.
– Real ale is known for its smooth and complex flavors, often showcasing the characteristics of the malt and hops used.
– It is usually served at cellar temperature, which is slightly warmer than chilled beer, to enhance the flavors and aromas.
– Real ale is often enjoyed in traditional British pubs and is served using hand pumps or gravity dispense.
Craft beer is a modern and innovative beer style brewed by small, independent breweries, while real ale is a traditional British cask-conditioned ale that is brewed using traditional methods and ingredients. Craft beer offers a wide range of flavors and styles, while real ale focuses on natural fermentation and showcasing the flavors of the malt and hops.
Conclusion
Real ale brewing is a time-honored tradition that has stood the test of time. With its focus on minimal processing and traditional ingredients, real ale offers a unique and authentic drinking experience. The use of malted barley, hops, water, and yeast in the brewing process creates a flavor profile that is rich, complex, and satisfying.
Unlike craft beer, which often incorporates modern techniques and ingredients, real ale stays true to its roots by adhering to traditional methods. The secondary fermentation in the container from which it is dispensed allows for natural carbonation, avoiding the use of extraneous carbon dioxide. This not only preserves the integrity of the beer but also enhances its taste and texture.
Real ale is not just a beverage, but a cultural icon in British brewing. It represents a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and heritage. The dedication of brewers like Brad Farbstein and Gabriel Gregerman, owners of Real Ale, has helped keep this tradition alive and thriving.
Whether you're a beer connoisseur or just someone looking to enjoy a pint of something special, real ale is an excellent choice. Its distinctive flavors, natural carbonation, and rich history make it a truly unique and satisfying drink. So raise a glass to real ale brewing and savor the taste of tradition. Cheers!
