mattyp: A Beer to Try Ep. 2 - British Pale Ale

Ok, yes it's been a long time (please don't go and check), but I'm back with another instalment of "A Beer To Try", This week: British Pale Ale.

About the Style

This is one of my favourite styles of beer! British Pale Ales are beers meant to be enjoyed in large quantities. These are the everyday drinking beers of the working man, in the pubs enjoying times with friends, while still being able to stand up after a few pints. That means 2 things, 1)they are balanced and smooth, no palate tireing flavours, and 2)they are lower alcohol. Traditionally found at around 3.5% to 5% ABV, but plenty of examples are higher than that. You'll find a balance of malt, hop, and yeast flavour. Caramel toastyness from the malts, mild bitterness and earthy aroma from the hops, and a touch of fruitiness from the yeast. Overall a balanced drinking experience with nothing jumping out at you.

About The Beer

My selection this week to try is Wellington Brewery's SPA (Special Pale Ale) (Guelph Ontario). A great example of a British Ale. Smooth and creamy texture, lower carbonation than what you are probably used to (as most British beers are). Wellington uses an in-house yeast that really brings out the malt flavour and add an interesting mix of fruit and sweetness. Best of all it is sold in cans, which is by far the best method to transport and store beer. It's only 4.5% ABV so you may as well get a few ;)

If you ever get a chance to try this 'on cask' I highly recommend it!

Second Choice

I really love Maclean’s Pale Ale (Hanover, Ontario). Again such a balanced beer, but slightly drier than Wellington's SPA. The extra ABV adds a bit more punch, and the aforementioned dryness.
For a British Pale Ale brewed in Canada, you don't get much more authentic than this!

Food Pairings

I could cheap out here and say 'British Pub food' and honestly, that's pretty accurate. British Pale Ales are meant to be enjoyed with dinner, so Burgers, Barbecue, and almost anything fried would go great.