Cask Ale

Cask Ale is used to describe beer that is drawn from a cask, unfiltered and unpasteurized with no artificial carbonation.

Fast Facts

1. Usually served by a "beer engine" or hand pump
2. The yeast in cask ale is still living
3. Yeast-cleared cask ale is referred to as "bright beer"
4. Fresh, non-pungent aroma
5. Less carbonation than bottled or keg beer
6. The term "real ale" was coined in 1973 by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA)

Cask vs. Keg

Compared to keg beer, Cask beer has more fresh, non-bitter smell. Cask ale is exposed to air for several days, which takes away some of its impact when consumed. Casks are not pumped with the extra carbon dioxide of kegs that give it a sharper, tangier flavor. It is meant to be fresh and natural, additive-free, and has very little carbonation. Cask ale is less fizzy than bottled or keg beer. If cask ale has too much fizz, then it has been served too soon.

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