Golden Ales
Golden \ Canadian Style Ale
An Ale-hybrid that developed during the lager take over of the early 1900's. Examples found these days are usually a faint interpretation of the original style. Golden Ales and Canadian-style Ales are a straw to golden blonde variation of the classic American-style Pale Ale. However, Golden Ale more closely approximates a lager in its crisp, dry palate, low (but noticeable) hop floral aroma and light body. A slightly creamy character would not be out of place, nor are light spiciness and graininess. Perceived bitterness is low to medium and may exhibit some complexity. Fruity esters may be perceived due to the top fermenting yeast, but do not predominate. Chill haze should be absent.
Award Winning Beers
Golden Ale (Full Sail Brewing), Blue Ridge Golden Ale (Frederick Brewing)
Original Gravity (°Plato): 1.045- 1.056 (11 - 14 °Plato)
Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato): 1.008 - 1.016 (2.0 - 4 °Plato)
Alcohol by weight (volume): 3.2 - 4.0% (4.0 - 5.0%)
Bitterness (IBU) (15 - 30)
Color SRM (EBC): 3 - 10 (7 - 20 EBC)
The term Kolsch is the best protected of all in the beer world. Only traditional brewers around Colon, Germany are legally allowed to use the style name for their beers. Kolsch is warm fermented and aged at cold temperatures (German ale or Alt-style beer). Kolsch is characterized by a golden color and slightly dry, winey and subtly sweet palate. Caramel character should not be evident. The body is light. This beer has low hop flavor and aroma with medium bitterness. Wheat can be used in brewing this beer that is fermented using ale or lager yeasts. Fruity esters should be minimally perceived, if at all. Chill haze should be absent or minimal. This is a fine and delicate beer that is well attenuated. Maturation is typically 2 - 6 weeks. The local custom in Germany is to serve these beers in small, narrow 20cl glasses to suggest something light and appetizing.
Classic Producers
Pjerüh (Cölner Hofbraü, Germany), Gaffel (Privat Brauerei Gaffel-Becker, Germany), Heller (Bruhaus Heller, Germany), Küppers Kölsch (Brauerei, Germany), Päffgen (Gebrüder Päffgen, Germany)
Fine Colgne-style ales from America
St. Severin's Kölsch (Boulder Creek Brewing), Kölsch (The Broad Ripple Brewing), Koyote Kölsch (The Coyote Spring Brewing Co., Barley's Brewpub)
Complementary Foods
Lightly smoked sausage, blood sausage
Original Gravity (°Plato): 1.042- 1.046 (10.5 - 11.5 °Plato)
Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato): 1.006 - 1.010 (1.5 - 2.5 °Plato)
Alcohol by weight (volume): 3.8 - 4.1% (4.4 - 5.0%)
Bitterness (IBU) (20 - 30)
Color SRM (EBC): 3.5 - 5 (8 - 14 EBC)
Mild Ales originated in coal mining regions of England and Wales. Mild Ale was intended as a low alcohol beer for heavy consumption by miners and as a harvest time drink for farm workers. They are often the least expensive beers available. Mild Ale is sweeter and lighter colored than Porter. It is as malty as possible in a low gravity beer. This style is most common in the West Midlands of Great Britain. It had been declining as a style due to a perception as old-fashioned. It now seems to be making a comeback. Mild refers to bitterness not flavor. They can be full of flavor whether light or dark. Includes English Light and Dark Milds which are described below.
English Light Mild Ale
English Light Mild Ales range from light amber to light brown in color. Malty sweet tones dominate the flavor profile with a little hop bitterness or flavor. Hop aroma can be light. Very low diacetyl flavors may be appropriate in this low-alcohol beer. Fruity ester level is very low. Chill haze is allowable at cold temperatures.
Classic Producers
Highgate (Highgate Brewery, England), AK (McMullen & Sons, England)
Fine Award Winning American Beers
Mariners' Mild (Pacific Coast brewpub)
Original Gravity (°Plato): 1.030- 1.038 (7.5 - 9.5 °Plato)
Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato): 1.004 - 1.080 (1.0 - 2.0 °Plato)
Alcohol by weight (volume): 2.7 - 3.2% (3.2 - 4.0%)
Bitterness (IBU) (10 - 24)
Color SRM (EBC): 8 - 17 (16 - 40 EBC)
English Dark Mild Ale
English Dark Mild Ales range from deep copper to dark brown (often with a red tint) in color. Malty sweet, caramel, licorice and roast malt tones dominate the flavor and aroma profile with very little hop flavor or aroma. Very low diacetyl flavors may be appropriate in this low-alcohol beer. Fruity ester level is very low.
Classic Producers
Bank's Mild (Park Brewery, England)
Fine American Beers
Goose Island (Goose Island brewpub), Cream Ale (Shaftbury Brewery, Canada)
Original Gravity (°Plato): 1.030- 1.038 (7.5 - 9.5 °Plato)
Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato): 1.004 - 1.080 (1.0 - 2.0 °Plato)
Alcohol by weight (volume): 2.7 - 3.2% (3.2 - 4.0%)
Bitterness (IBU) (10 - 24)
Color SRM (EBC): 17 - 34 (40 - 135 EBC)
