Make Beer At Home

Ale is beer that is brewed from barley malt using only top-fermenting yeasts. Ale yeast is called top fermenting because of its tendency to gather at the top of the brew for the first few days before settling at the bottom. Ales are typically fermented at higher temperatures than lager beer (15-23°C, 60-75°F). Ale yeasts at these temperatures produce significant amounts of esters and other secondary flavor and aroma products producing a fruity aroma and palate, and often a complex flavor varying considerably among ales in bitterness, color, sweetness, and harshness. Ales are generally fuller and a more complex beer, and contain more alcohol.