Beers from England
England has a long and proud brewing heritage, with beer being a cornerstone of British culture for centuries. From traditional ales to modern craft brews, English beers are known for their diversity, quality, and unique flavour profiles. The country’s beer landscape is shaped by its historic breweries, as well as a vibrant craft beer movement that continues to push the boundaries of brewing. English beers offer a wide range of styles, each with its own distinct character, making them a favourite among beer enthusiasts worldwide.
Types of English Beers
Bitter
Bitter is one of the most iconic and traditional styles of English beer. Originating in the 19th century, bitter is a type of pale ale that is characterised by its well-balanced flavour profile, with a noticeable but not overpowering hop bitterness. Bitters can vary in strength from ordinary (3-4% ABV) to best (4-4.5% ABV) and strong bitters (4.6% ABV and above). They typically have a copper to amber colour, with a malt-forward flavour that includes notes of caramel and biscuit, balanced by earthy, floral hop bitterness. Popular examples include Fuller’s London Pride and Timothy Taylor’s Landlord, both of which are revered for their smooth, easy-drinking qualities.
Pale Ale
Pale ale is another cornerstone of English beer, with roots dating back to the early 18th century. English pale ales, sometimes referred to as bitters, are generally maltier and less hoppy than their American counterparts. They are usually golden to amber in colour, with a moderate bitterness and a fruity, slightly sweet malt profile. The hops used in English pale ales, such as East Kent Goldings and Fuggles, provide a mild, herbal bitterness and a subtle, earthy aroma. Beers like Bass Pale Ale and Adnams Southwold Bitter are classic examples of this style, known for their balance and drinkability.
India Pale Ale (IPA)
India Pale Ale, or IPA, is a style that originated in England in the 18th century. Originally brewed with higher alcohol content and extra hops to survive the long sea voyage to India, English IPAs are typically more balanced and less aggressively hoppy than modern American IPAs. They often have a strong malt backbone with flavours of caramel and biscuit, complemented by a pronounced but not overwhelming hop bitterness. English IPAs usually feature earthy, herbal, and floral hop notes, thanks to traditional English hop varieties. Examples like Fuller’s Bengal Lancer and Meantime IPA showcase the classic English approach to this popular style.
Porter
Porter is a historic English beer style that dates back to the 18th century, originally brewed in London. It is a dark ale, known for its rich, roasted malt flavours, which can include notes of chocolate, coffee, and toffee. Porters are typically medium-bodied with a smooth, slightly sweet finish. The style was once the most popular beer in England and laid the groundwork for the development of stouts. Modern English porters, such as Samuel Smith’s Taddy Porter and Fuller’s London Porter, are highly regarded for their depth of flavour and balance.
Stout
Stout evolved from the porter style and is another classic English beer. Stouts are darker and often stronger than porters, with a more intense roasted malt character. English stouts can range from dry, like Guinness Extra Stout, to sweet, such as milk stouts that include lactose, which adds a creamy sweetness to the beer. The flavours of English stouts are rich and robust, with notes of dark chocolate, coffee, and sometimes a hint of dark fruit. Beers like Samuel Smith’s Organic Chocolate Stout and The Kernel Export Stout are excellent examples of the variety and richness within this style.
Mild Ale
Mild ale is a traditional English beer style that has seen a resurgence in recent years. Historically, mild ales were low in alcohol (typically around 3-3.5% ABV) and lightly hopped, making them an ideal session beer. They are generally dark in colour, with a malty sweetness and flavours of caramel, toffee, and sometimes a slight nuttiness. Mild ales are smooth and easy to drink, with a soft, rounded finish. Beers like Theakston’s Mild and Harvey’s Sussex Best Bitter are classic examples of this style, known for their balance and drinkability.
Barleywine
Barleywine is a strong ale that is one of the most robust and complex styles of English beer. With alcohol content typically ranging from 8-12% ABV, barleywines are rich, full-bodied beers with intense malt flavours. They often have notes of toffee, caramel, dried fruit, and sometimes a touch of warming alcohol. English barleywines tend to be less hop-forward than their American counterparts, focusing more on the malt character. Beers like Fuller’s Vintage Ale and JW Lees Harvest Ale are classic examples of English barleywine, offering a luxurious and satisfying drinking experience.
Flavours of English Beers
Malt-Forward and Balanced
Many English beers are known for their malt-forward flavours, with a focus on balance rather than extremes. Bitters, pale ales, and milds typically feature a rich malt profile with notes of biscuit, caramel, and toffee, often balanced by a moderate hop bitterness. This emphasis on balance makes English beers incredibly drinkable and versatile, appealing to a wide range of palates.
Rich and Roasted
Porters and stouts showcase the darker side of English beer, with rich, roasted malt flavours that include chocolate, coffee, and dark fruit. These beers are often smooth and full-bodied, with a slightly sweet or dry finish. The depth and complexity of these flavours make them ideal for pairing with hearty foods or enjoying on their own as a dessert beer.
Strong and Complex
Barleywines and strong ales offer a more intense drinking experience, with high alcohol content and complex flavours. These beers are often rich and full-bodied, with layers of malt sweetness, dried fruit, and a warming finish. The complexity of these beers makes them perfect for sipping slowly and savouring over time.
Conclusion
English beers are a testament to the country’s rich brewing heritage and the diversity of its beer styles. From the well-balanced bitters and pale ales that have long been favourites in English pubs to the robust porters and stouts that showcase the depth of roasted malt flavours, there is something for everyone in the world of English beer. The country’s brewers, both traditional and modern, continue to produce beers that are celebrated for their quality, balance, and unique character. Whether you’re a fan of classic styles or looking to explore something new, English beers offer a world of flavour that is well worth discovering.
