Traditional session beers from the British Isles are ready for a renaissance in North America – besides the “game recognize game” appreciation from a brewer’s perspective, the fact that many of these ales are naturally lower abv% strikes a great balance between consumer interest in moderation and the demand for flavorful beers with a story. That’s still a largely untapped (pun very much intended) opportunity in the North American craft beer scene.
Here is a collection of recipes, straight from the source – courtesy of Simpsons Technical Director Jamie Ramshaw.
Notes from Jamie:
- These are all conducted as single infusion mashes. If the brewer uses a mash mix lauter system, you need to mash hotter or shorten the stand as UK malt loves to convert.
- Many of these beers benefit from being “sent over” as cask beers; if cask dispense isn’t an option, nitro or dispense at a low CO2 level will help with body and mouthfeel.
This is based on Young’s Bitter – “Golden Ale” may be a bit more marketable than “Bitter!”
UK Golden Ale appeared in the early 90’s and has developed ever since. It is a UK version of a US version of a UK IPA.
A classic Black Country “Light” Mild. Stylistically somewhere between a bitter and a more traditional dark mild.
The roast barley gives a leaning towards a ‘mini stout’ – but the other dark malts balance this so it’s stylistically in kilter.