Witty Nuts
No nuts, no glory!
Ales are the oldest beers, produced through « top » fermentation, carried out with the yeast "Saccharomyces cerevisiae", which acts at the surface of the wort and develops at relatively warm temperatures, between 15 and 25 °C. This mode of fermentation encourages the production of complex, fruity and spicy aromas, giving ales a richness of flavour that is readily associated with medieval and modern brewing traditions. Before the invention of refrigeration in the 19th century, all beers were necessarily Ales, as brewers did not have the cold, stable conditions required for other fermentation methods.
The Berliner Weisse is a beer style originating from Berlin, Germany. It is a top-fermenting beer, traditionally light and low in alcohol (around 3 to 5%), and above all defined by its unique profile: a refreshing acidity produced by a lactic fermentation, complemented by traditional fermentation. This acidity, combined with fruity notes, gives the « Berlin white beer » its distinctive character.
Visually, it appears pale and often hazy, owing to the use of unmalted wheat, which also gives it a slightly velvety texture. Its lively effervescence enhances its thirst-quenching quality, and it is best enjoyed between 8 and 10 °C, sometimes softened with a dash of raspberry, blackcurrant, or woodruff syrup, in keeping with the Berlin tradition.
Today, modern brewers often prefer to add fruit directly during brewing, in order to balance the acidity with a natural sweetness and to bring new aromatic nuances.
English-style brown ales come in two variants: a dry, roasted version said to originate from the north of England, and a softer, less attenuated brown ale variety said to have gained popularity in the south of England. Both offer a roasted nut and chocolate character typical of brown ales. English brown ale varieties are not as hoppy or bitter as their American counterparts and favour English hops as well as English ale yeast. Both beer styles can be excellent with a variety of dishes, especially braised meats, but they can perfectly well be enjoyed on their own. The alcohol content of this beer is moderate and does not generally exceed 5.5%.