Top 10 Best Ales in the UK 2021

It’s a valid question – we bet most of you could distinguish the taste of ale from, say, a lager or a stout, but there’s a fair bit of technical science that separates them from one another. The big difference is that ales are produced using a ‘warm fermentation method’, with the yeast activated between 15.5 and 38 °C. 

This means the process can be completed much more quickly, due to the higher chemical activity at a higher temperature. Also, because ale yeast is much more robust, it can survive stronger alcohol environments, which is why ales tend to have a higher alcohol content. 

With an ever-growing list of companies producing vast amounts of ales, trying to find a good place to start can be challenging. In this buying guide, we're going to take a look at some of the main things you should consider when delving into the world of ales.

First and foremost, taste! There are numerous styles to mull over, all of which can vary greatly within the broad category of 'ale', so let's get acquainted with some of them to help your decision. Of course, there are many more out there, but in the interest of making it to the bar in time for last orders, we'll be sticking to the most common.  

Pale ale is a broad term, and there are many sub-styles within it – IPA (India Pale Ale), being one of the more obvious and familiar ones.

On the whole, pale ales tend to be medium-bodied, malty and easy to sink. So, if you're planning on having a few and don't want to feel too heavy in the belly, these are perfect. 

Not keen on fizz? Cask ales generally have a lower level of carbonation and a fuller mouthfeel. They are also unfiltered, which means they usually exhibit more complex levels of flavour and higher aromatic notes. 

Often cloudy, they are best served at cellar temperatures, around 12 °C.

White ales are ubiquitous with Belgium, where they are more commonly known as 'witbier'. Due to the fact they are wheat beers, they tend to have a more gentle and delicate flavour. 

This makes them the perfect accompaniment for food, as their subtlety tends to complement, rather than compete with, whatever is on your plate. 

Red ales use a special and unique roasted malt to create their sweet and buttery taste. They use varieties of American hops to create a big flavour with a dry finish, similar to that of cider. 

They're also an ale of contradictions – whilst usually darker in colour (as the name would suggest) they often have elements of a lighter beer, being hoppy and crisp. 

Like their pale counterparts, brown ales are another medium to full-bodied option. However, these bad boys contain medium-roasted malt barley, which gives their unique flavour more caramel- or chocolate-like characteristics. 

They tend to be low to medium in hop flavour and aroma, and medium to high in bitterness. They're also another type of ale that accompanies food very well, such as dark meats and earthy vegetables. Definitely one for your stew! 

Golden ales were created in the 1980s to try and win over younger drinkers, who typically preferred a more thirst-quenching alcoholic beverage, like lager. 

Whilst they have the refreshing qualities of lager, they still manage to keep the flavours of ale, albeit less hoppy and more malt-forward. These are a logical first step if you're somewhat reluctant to leave your beloved lagers behind.

Amber ales are essentially a long-lost cousin of the English pale ale. They're a medium to full body beer and therefore can be quite heavy. Not ideal if you're planning on having a few!

This non-traditional variety are being brewed by both North American companies and those closer to home, and strike a good balance between hoppy and malt components. They generally have medium to high bitterness, often coming with notes of toffee and caramel like the brown ales that we introduced earlier. 

The ABV (alcohol by volume) tells you how much alcohol (ethanol) is contained in any given alcoholic beverage. And, you guessed it, the more alcohol, the drunker you'll get – and the more monstrous a hangover you'll have in the morning. 

Ales are synonymous with having a high ABV, but it can actually vary wildly – in our list alone they begin around 4% and rise to almost 10%, which is a massive difference. It's best to pay attention to what you are drinking, this way you know if you're safe to crack another one or whether it's best to put it down for another time. 

Although there are some enthusiasts out there that stick by the belief, "All beer tastes better in a bottle", this has never been scientifically proven. However, there are some other factors worth considering. 

Firstly, cans are easier to transport, mainly because they're lighter. This is good both personally and for those of us who are conscious about our carbon footprint. They're also simpler to store in the fridge and can be crushed down when finished with to take up less space in the recycling bin. 

Bottles, however, will keep your ale cooler for longer due to them having much thicker walls – less chance of warm sediment soup at the bottom of your drink. They also tend to come in larger volumes, so if you fancy having yourself a longer drink, these will be your best bet.

Now you know what to look out for when buying an ale, it's time to get in line at the online bar and see what we've got on tap for you. There's a wide selection, so you might find yourself having to pick up a couple!

One of the best things about ordering online is that you can stock up the fridge without having to lug crates upon crates home from the supermarket. So, with that in mind, we have a few more beer and ale buying guides that you may be interested in – check them out below! 

Now that you know more about some of the common types of ales, and you have our recommendations of where to start and what to try, we hope you feel comfortable going to explore the ever-growing world of ales. We're sure there is a perfect ale (or two) for you, all you have to do is get out there and try them! Cheers! 

Author: Lewis Clark