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There is only one type of beer that I know well and this is real ale- the sort of beer that Americans think of as 'warm beer' and is sold in English pubs.

What distinguishes real ale (nearly always from the Bitter family) from other brews.

1. It is a 'live' beer. That is, it is not artificially carbonated and the yeast cells are still active within it. This gives it a fantastically rich and varied flavor that dances on the tong and overloads the brain with information so that you cannot quite tract the ten thousand or so flavors that cross your palate.

Unfortunately it is also quite fragile so the beer will taste different in each pub- and not always pleasantly so. This is the price worth paying. Beer from cans is not real.

2. It is usually local. Real ale does not travel well and is usually produced in very local breweries.

3. Available in fantastic variety. Sometimes containing bizarre local ingredients.

4. Creates a sense of wellbeing that is not matched by any other. Particularly when taken with food.

5. Strong in flavor and complex in character. Sip but do not gulp. More alcoholic than US beer so beware.

Learn more about this author, Richard Ford.
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