Ale
Fuller's India pale ale
Ale is a type of beer brewed using a warm fermentation method, unlike lager which is fermented at low temperatures. The warm fermentation results in a sweet, full-bodied and fruity taste.
Historically, the term referred to a drink brewed without hops, although this is no longer the case.
While lager is a relatively new method (15th century), ale was an established and important source of nutrition in the medieval world. Lager become popular after the 18th century with the development of refrigeration techniques required for the low-temperature fermentation. Ale, on the other hand, was originally brewed in the home for both domestic consumption and small scale commercial sale.
Modern Ale
Modern ale is typically fermented at temperatures between 15 and 24 °C (60 and 75 °F). At temperatures above 24 °C (75 °F) the result is often a beer with slightly "fruity" compounds resembling those found in fruits such as apple, pear, and pineapple.
Historically, the term referred to a drink brewed without hops, although this is no longer the case.
While lager is a relatively new method (15th century), ale was an established and important source of nutrition in the medieval world. Lager become popular after the 18th century with the development of refrigeration techniques required for the low-temperature fermentation. Ale, on the other hand, was originally brewed in the home for both domestic consumption and small scale commercial sale.
Modern Ale
Modern ale is typically fermented at temperatures between 15 and 24 °C (60 and 75 °F). At temperatures above 24 °C (75 °F) the result is often a beer with slightly "fruity" compounds resembling those found in fruits such as apple, pear, and pineapple.
Ale adapted from Wikipedia and licensed by The Cultural Me under CC BY SA 3.0