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Light, Pale or Bitter Ale
Pale ales are made from high quality malt and are lightly hopped and slightly sweet. They are the driest and most hopped of beers. In Scotland they are referred to as Shilling Ales or Scotch Ale. India Pale Ales were originally made for export to India. The term ‘light’ refers to the strength not the colour.
Export/Premium Ale
Similar to Pale Ales but heavier in alcohol. In Scotland they are referred to as Eighty Shilling Ales or Heavy Ales.
Mild Ale
Also known as X or XX Ales, the ‘X’ originally marking the quality by monks. Normally the more X’s the greater the strength. Milds may be dark or light. The dark colour isobtained from a dark malt. In Scotland these are referred to as Sixty Shilling Ales.
Brown Ale
Usually bottled Mild Ales, which have been filtered and carbonated.
Strong Ale
Heavy, usually dark and well matured ales. These include Barley Wines and are known in Scotland as Ninety Shilling Ales.
Bitter Stout and Porter
Brewed from highly dried, full flavoured malts. A high proportion of roasted malts provide the dark colour and flavour and they have a high hop rate.
Sweet Stout
Smooth, creamy and sweet stouts. Some used to be called ‘Milk Stout’ until this was declared to be a false description.
Lager
Lager beers have been brewed in the UK for over 100 years but has gained in popularity recently. The spread of lager brewing in Europe replaced ale brewing. Munich-style Bavarian lagers were originally dark in colour but most are now pale in colour. Pilsener lager originated in Pilsen in the Czech Republic. The original Budweiser is from Ceske Budejovice, also in the Czech Republic. Lager beers are best appreciated cold. As with ales, premium, stronger lagers are available
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