Swannay Brewery

Ale Varietals

Ale is a sort of beer made with a warm fermentation process that produces a sweet, full-bodied, and fruity flavor. Historically, the phrase refers to a beverage made without the use of hops. Unlike lagers, ales are created with yeast strains that like to ferment at a warmer temperature, closer to room temperature. Ales are sometimes referred to as top-fermented beers since the yeast floats on the surface while working.

A bittering ingredient is used in ale, as it is in most beers, to balance the malt and act as a preservative. Originally, gruit, a blend of herbs or spices boiled in the wort before fermentation, was used to flavor ale. Later, hops took over as the bittering agent from gruit.

We can't really say anything about how these brews taste. There are many different strains of ale yeast that lend different flavors to beers, ranging from fruity to earthy, so there's a wide range of possibilities to try, including sweet brown ales and zesty pale wheat beers. Why not try a few and see what you think?

Ale is brewed at temperatures ranging from 15 to 24 °C (60 to 75 °F). The yeast can create substantial levels of esters and other secondary taste and aroma products at temperatures above 24 °C (75 °F), and the result is typically a beer with slightly "fruity" components mimicking those found in fruits like apple, pear, pineapple, banana, plum, cherry, or prune.