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5 Most Common Ale Styles
We’re often asked about the nuances of different types of beers, including lagers and ales. Here, we’re looking at the latter of these two and breaking down different types of ale and what makes each one unique.
Rather than going too deep, this guide is a beginner-friendly look at the 5 most common ale styles, from easy-drinking favourites to richer, more complex brews. Whether you’re new to beer or just looking to try something different, we hope this will help you find a style that meets your approval.
What Is an Ale?
Ale is a type of beer brewed using top-fermenting yeast, so called because it rises to the top of the vessel during the brewing process. Its full name is Saccharomyces cerevisiae, though it is more commonly known as brewer’s yeast or ale yeast. It works best at warmer temperatures, typically between 15 and 24°C, and results in a beer with a fuller body and more pronounced flavours compared to the clean, crisp profile of lagers.
5 Most Common Ale Styles
Only beers labelled 0.0% ABV are technically completely alcohol free. But any beer in the UK can contain up to 0.05% ABV and be classed as ‘alcohol free’. These ABV (alcohol by volume) levels are extremely low and are similar to the natural alcohol found in some breads or ripe fruit. The UK allows drinks under 0.05% ABV to be marketed as alcohol free because the amount is too small to cause intoxication.
Anything between 0.05% and 1.2% ABV is classed as low alcohol, and anything above that follows standard alcohol labelling rules. In practical terms, alcohol-free beer is considered safe for most people reducing their intake or avoiding alcohol altogether.
1. Pale Ale
Pale ale is one of the most widely consumed and popular ale styles and has its roots right here in England. It’s known and loved for its balanced flavour, making it a great starting point if you’re new to ales.
Typically golden to amber in colour, pale ales usually sit between 4.5 and 6.2% ABV. The taste balances a malty sweetness and hop bitterness, often with a light, slightly fruity taste that keeps it refreshing and easy to drink. You’ll also find golden ales, which are a lighter sub-style of the pale ale family.
2. India Pale Ale (IPA)
India Pale Ale, or IPA, is an ale style that was originally developed in England in the late 18th century solely for export to India and parts of the British Empire. Extra hops were added during brewing to help preserve the beer during its long journey, which is what gives IPAs their more pronounced hop flavour to this day.
IPAs range from gold to copper in colour and typically sit between 5.5 and 7.5% ABV, though some can be stronger. They are loved for their more noticeable bitterness alongside citrus, pine or tropical flavours, depending on the hops used.
3. Stout
Stout is a dark ale, though not all dark ales are stouts. It was developed from porter (which we’re looking at next) and has become one of the most recognisable ale styles around the world, with Guinness as its most famous brand.
Stouts are typically dark brown to black in colour and usually sit between 4 and 8% ABV. They are known for their richer flavour, often with coffee, chocolate and roasted malt characteristics. Common types include dry stout, milk stout and imperial stout.
4. Porter
Porter is a traditional dark ale style that originated in London in the early 18th century, and is often considered a predecessor to stout. It was popular among working-class drinkers at the time and was named after the city’s river porters.
Porters are typically dark brown in colour and usually sit between 4 and 6.5% ABV. They are known for their smooth, rounded flavour, often with chocolate, caramel and roasted malt flavours, but usually a touch lighter and less intense than stout.
5. Belgian Ale
Belgian ale refers to a broad range of ale styles brewed using traditional Belgian methods, where yeast plays a much bigger part in shaping the final flavour. These ales focus more on yeast-driven flavour than strong hop character.
Belgian ales can range from pale to dark in colour and typically sit between 5 and 9% ABV. They are known for their more complex flavours, often with fruity and slightly spicy characteristics that mark them apart from traditional British styles.
Which Ale Style Should You Try First?
Choosing the best ale style for you ultimately comes down to trying different types until you find one that really suits your taste. If you prefer something balanced and easy to drink, pale ale is a great place to start, while those who enjoy a stronger, more bitter flavour may prefer an IPA.
If you’re drawn to darker beers, stout offers a richer, more full-bodied experience, while porter gives you a smoother, slightly lighter option. Belgian ales are ideal if you’re looking for something a bit more complex and different.
If you’re trying ale for the first time, you may also come across traditional cask ales, often referred to as real ale, which are served straight from the cask.
Explore Our Ale Range Today!
At Birmingham Brewing Company, we’re truly passionate about great ales that everyone can enjoy. From our Stirchley brewery, we create modern, flavourful ales that are all gluten free, vegan and brewed using 100% renewable energy.
Whether you’re trying ale for the first time or already know what you like, you’ll find something to suit your taste in our wide range. Order online and enjoy free delivery on orders over £40, visit our taproom for the freshest pours, or get in touch via our online contact form or by calling us on 0121 724 0399.
