Ale

Ale is an ancient word for a fermented alcoholic beverage obtained chiefly from malted barley.

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Before the introduction of hops into England from the Netherlands in the 15th century the name "ale" was exclusively applied to unhopped fermented beverages, the term "beer" being gradually introduced to describe a brew with an infusion of hops. This distinction no longer applies.

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Ales are brewed with top-fermenting yeasts at temperatures from 15 to 25 ?C (59 to 77 ?F). For comparison, lagers are brewed over longer periods, at lower temperatures, to satisfy the bottom-fermenting yeasts. Ales are also usually served at a higher temperature than lagers: in the UK typically around 12 ?C (54 ?F) for an ale as compared to 8 ?C (46 ?F) for a lager.

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In a number of U.S. states, especially in the western United States, "ale" is the term mandated by state law for any beverage fermented from grain with an alcoholic strength above that which can legally be named "beer," without regard to the method of fermentation or the yeast used. This distinction is not obsolete, but it is idiosyncratic.

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In former times the Welsh and Scots had two distinct kinds of ale, called common and spiced ales, the relative values of which (compared to mead) were appraised by law in the following terms:

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:If a farmer have no mead, he shall pay two casks of spiced ale, or four casks of common ale, for one cask of mead.

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Ales are very common in Britain, Germany, the United States, and Belgium; however, Lager is the dominant style of beer in almost all countries, worldwide.

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Fermented: REDIRECT Fermentation...

Alcoholic: REDIRECT Alcoholism...

Beverage: REDIRECT Drink...

Ale related Images and Photos (experimental)

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Timberwolves 2pc Pint Ale Glass Set with Basketball Bottom - Oval Logo