Writer: Jamil Zainasheff
Mild Ale
Digital and Plus Members OnlyFive hundred years ago, almost all British beers existed as both stale and mild ales. From its earliest use through the 18th Century, the term “mild” referred to an entire class of ales. These beers were much bigger than today’s mild (perhaps 20 °P or more) and they were served young and sweet with residual malt sugars. Any beer could be called mild as long as it lacked the sourness of aged beers, such as stale or stock ale.
Kölsch
FREECommercial Kölsch is really only Kölsch if it’s brewed in the German city of Cologne. Kölsch brewed at home, however, can be refreshing and crisp on a spring or summer day.
Irish Red Ale
FREEOne of the first things you learn about most styles is whether it’s an ale or a lager. This month’s featured style — Irish red ale — can be either.
Fruit Beers
Digital and Plus Members OnlySome folks think fruit beer is for beginners, but that’s not the case. Just like getting a tan on vacation — you need to start with a good base.
Roggenbier
Digital and Plus Members OnlyWhy rye? Because a great roggenbier has a spicy, pumpernickel-like flavor and a bready, banana-like aroma. Plus: A rockin’ roggen recipe.
Irish Dry Stout
Digital and Plus Members OnlyThink all stouts are thick, heavy and boozy? Think again! Dry stout is refreshing, light-bodied and low in alcohol.
Munich Dunkel
Digital and Plus Members OnlyLet’s get old school and go back to a time when people used pencil and paper, rotary phones and brewed Munich dunkel.
Extra Special Bitter (ESB)
FREEIs it the crystal malt? The English hops? What makes a great ESB? Find out how to put the special in your bitter.
American Blonde Ale
FREEIt’s true that some gentlemen prefer blondes, and lots of homebrewers do, too. Brush up on the methods for making easy-drinking American blonde ales.
Winter Spiced Ales
FREEOne of the best things about a white Christmas is the dark, spiced holiday ales that go along with it. Learn how to brew a wonderful winter warmer.
American Amber Ale
FREEAmerica is known for its amber waves of grain…and also for its amber ales. Find out how to brew this modern classic.
Foreign Extra Stout
Digital and Plus Members OnlyBeer selection in the tropics is limited, but it isn’t limited to just cookie-cutter yellow lagers. If you don’t want fizz-water with a lime in it, grab a foreign extra stout. We’ll show you how to brew one.