With new craft breweries constantly popping up across the UK, the range of beer styles available to the discerning drinker continues to grow. Beyond classic ales and lagers, keep an eye out for these distinctive brews.
Ales
British ales have a well-deserved reputation for their complex and flavourful profiles, thanks to top-fermenting yeast and a preference for cask conditioning.
Pale Ales and Bitters
The backbone of British brewing, modest session bitters and more potent IPAs both pair well with pub standards like fish and chips, curry, and cheddar cheese.
“Our Yorkshire Gold with its light toffee taste is fantastic with local Yorkshire pud,” says Dave Cook, Lead Brewer at Pint Sized Brewery.
Brown and Dark Ales
From sweet nutty brown ales to roasty stouts and porters, these malty concoctions hit the spot alongside steak and ale pie or chocolatey desserts.
“Harrogate Dark Ale’s molasses and liquorice notes are perfect with a nice meaty pie,” suggests Fiona Barnes of North Yorkshire’s Top Ferment Brewery.
Barley Wine and Old Ales
These amped-up ales spend extra time maturing in casks and bottles, resulting in a rich, wine-like intensity capable of matching the boldest of flavours.
“I like to break out a bottle of our Wharfedale Whopper Barley Wine alongside a nice blue cheese,” reveals Barnes. “The sweet fruitiness contrasts beautifully with the salty tang.”
Lagers
While ales rule the craft scene, classic crisp, clean lagers have their place, especially with salads, seafood and soft cheeses.
Pilsner
Pale gold pilsner with its spicy Saaz hops is a natural fit for pub standards like fish and chips.
“Our Marylebone Pils cuts through the fattiness of fish beautifully,” says London’s James Kent of Piccadilly Brewing.
Bock
Strong, malty bocks can stand up to the boldest flavours like venison stew or Black Forest chocolate cake.
“A dark bock pairs wonderfully with game meats and rich desserts,” recommends German brewmaster Hans Richter.
So whether you seek out subtle or bold flavours with your meal, Britain’s ever-evolving craft beer landscape has a style to suit your taste. Cheers!