A Traveller’s Guide to Britain’s Real Ales
Each city has its own unique real ales. Source: Duck & Drake
When researching some of the best attractions in the United Kingdom, a pint in a pub is often a top priority. I mean, how could it not be? This is a country where, on average, 10 million pints are sold each day, or one for every 6 people. However these days, finding the perfect pub with the perfect pint is becoming an increasingly difficult task. With the growing consumption of beer from the ‘big brewers’, almost half of pubs across the UK have shuttered. In comes the ‘Campaign for Real Ale’, or CAMRA for short. This organization has spent countless pounds and hours campaigning to protect pubs and real ales across the UK. But first, what is Real Ale?
What is Real Ale?
Real Ale, as described by CAMRA, is a natural product brewed using traditional ingredients. One of the main discerning differences between Real Ales and other beer styles is that these ales are left to mature in the cask and, when served, they are hand pulled by a bartender, as opposed to relying on the use of carbonation for a draft pour. Not only does the use of natural products allow for wide range of expressive flavours, but the lack of carbonation allows for a different texture than what is expected of beers in this part of the world; think the difference between still and sparkling water.
A bartender ‘pulls’ a real ale. Source: 46137, Flickr
In addition, brewery conditioned beer, or keg beer, kills off the remaining yeast when produced, essentially ‘killing the beer’. These beers also rely on the inserted carbonation to preserve the beer, resulting in a longer shelf life. However, when producing Real Ales, the yeast is left in the product which allows the beer to mature, creating unique flavour opportunities. Think, when drinking Real Ales, you are drinking a living beverage!
A taste of the region
Beyond the plethora of available flavours, another reason to make Real Ales a part of your United Kingdom experience is that within different cities, individual pubs will serve different and unique ales. With Real Ales being a living product, they have a short lifespan, meaning pubs rely on local breweries to be able to stock their product with a short turnaround. When living in Leicester, my local pub would change their cask every other day during the week and every day during the weekend, partly due to demand, partly due to the short lifespan of this delicious beer. As you travel across the country, you’re bound to try a wide range of flavours, all the while knowing that you’re supporting local, British beer.
This pub in Norwich is one of thousands across the UK serving real ales. Source: Roger Blackwell, Flickr
Toast to your health
If all of this isn’t enough to convince you to taste a Real Ale over other brands of beer when visiting the United Kingdom, CAMRA alleges that ale is a rich source of vitamins and has genuine health benefits when drunk in moderation. So, if keeping pubs open and drinking a product unique to the UK that is full of great flavours and provides unique tasting opportunities as you travel across the island isn’t your forte – drink a pint for your health!
Look for this symbol as you explore the UK’s best pubs. Source: CAMRA
As your travels take you across this charming and historic region of the world, keep your eyes affixed for that pub with the CAMRA symbol, or ask the local bartender what Real Ales they’re serving. That beer will be worth the trip.
Tell us about your favourite British pubs and brews in the comments below!
Stephen Ouderkirk
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