Types of Ales

Ever wonder what makes up an IPA or a Stout Ale ? Or the difference between a Best Bitter and a Bitter Ale or an Extra Special Bitter ?

Amber Ale

A balanced ale with a noticeable malt sweetness and moderate hop bitterness. Often has caramel and toasty flavors with a smooth finish.

Status: Widely available and popular.

Barleywine

A very strong ale with high alcohol content and rich malt complexity. Flavors often include caramel and dried fruit.

Status: Survived – considered a specialty or seasonal beer.

Best Bitter

A mid-strength bitter ale with a good balance of malt and hops. Fuller in flavor but still highly drinkable.

Status: Strongly survived – a staple of traditional British pubs.

Bitter (Ordinary Bitter)

A classic British ale known for its session strength and balanced bitterness. Light-bodied and easy to drink.

Status: Survived – though less dominant than in the past.

Brown Ale

A malty ale with flavors of chocolate, nuts, and caramel. Smooth with low to moderate bitterness.

Status: Survived – though less common than during its peak.

Dark Mild

A low-alcohol, malt-forward ale with subtle sweetness and flavors of caramel and toast.

Status: Declined but surviving – now more niche.

English Pale Ale

A balanced ale with moderate hop bitterness and a solid malt backbone.

Status: Strongly survived – a core traditional style.

Extra Special Bitter (ESB)

A stronger, more complex bitter with richer malt flavors and a more pronounced hop character.

Status: Strongly survived – widely recognized.

Golden Ale

A light-colored ale with refreshing citrus or floral hop notes.

Status: Growing – popular in modern brewing.

India Pale Ale (IPA)

A hop-forward ale with higher bitterness and aromatic hops, now with many variations.

Status: Strongly survived and dominant globally.

Irish Red Ale

A smooth, malt-driven ale with caramel sweetness and subtle roasted dryness.

Status: Survived – widely brewed.

Mild Ale

A gentle, low-strength ale with soft malt flavors and minimal bitterness.

Status: Declined but surviving – niche but appreciated.

Old Ale

A traditional aged ale with rich flavors such as dark fruit and toffee.

Status: Survived – mostly as a specialty style.

Pale Ale

A broad category brewed with pale malt, offering a balance of malt and hops.

Status: Strongly survived – very common.

Porter

A dark ale with roasted flavors such as coffee and chocolate.

Status: Strongly survived – widely brewed.

Scotch Ale (Wee Heavy)

A strong, malty ale with rich caramel and toffee flavors.

Status: Survived – more niche but recognized.

Stout

A dark, full-bodied ale with roasted flavors of coffee and chocolate.

Status: Strongly survived – very popular.

Strong Ale

A higher-alcohol ale with rich malt profiles and complex flavors.

Status: Survived – typically specialty beers.

Winter Ale

A seasonal ale brewed for colder months, often richer and malt-forward.

Status: Survived – popular seasonal offering