Discovering the world of Cass Ales
If you have been lucky enough to travel the English pubs, you will surely have encountered an incredible variety of beers in the iconic bars. But did you know that there is a type of beer that is served with a touch of history and tradition? We talk about the Cass Ales, also known as ‘Real Ales’, which are a real delight for lovers of good beer.
What does Cass Ales such special?
The Cass Ales are beers that are made using the same four basic ingredients that we know: water, malt, hops and yeast. Although sometimes they can be added an extra such as oatmeal or fruits, the pure essence of these beers lies in their preparation method. After fermenting, these beers go through a second process in the barrel, where they will keep alive thanks to the activity of yeasts without the intervention of pasteurization or artificial additives.
The service method: a different experience
Unlike most beers that are served from a pressurized tap, Cass Ales do all the old work using gravity. How does that happen? Through the famous ‘Handpump’, a manual bomb that extracts the barrel beer, providing a more authentic and personal service. This can result in a beer that feels a bit ‘flat’ for those who are accustomed to carbonated beers, but calm! This is a natural characteristic of Cass Ales.
THE ART OF SERVING CASK ALES
Serving a Cass Ale is not simply to open a tap; There is a whole process behind. First, the barrel must be discouraged by hammering a side cap that allows the accumulated CO2 to be released. Then, the hose is carefully placed in the flat part of the barrel. Prior to this, it is recommended to wait 24 hours before it is used to guarantee the stability and quality of beer. The ideal temperature ranges between 11 and 13 ° C, so no frozen surprises.
Quality Defense: Camra
On this trip through the Cass Ale, we cannot avoid mentioning the ‘Campaign for Real Ale’ (Camra), a British organization that emerged in the 70s in response to the homogenization of beers produced by large corporations. Rampa struggles for beers to remain faithful to their traditions, promoting elaboration methods that avoid pasteurization and forced carbonation.
Why is this important?
The importance of this movement lies in ensuring that Cass Ales maintains their unique and artisanal character, providing consumers with an authentic and varied experience. In addition, the ‘Real Ale’ seal in the United Kingdom is a quality symbol as well as the famous purity decree in Germany.
Final reflections: beers that break the rules
Today, artisanal beers have an increasingly attractive space, challenging strict standards and exploring flavor forms that captivate palates around the world. So, the next time you visit an English pub, be sure to try a Cass Ale and immerse yourself in a beer tradition that goes far beyond just drinking a drink. Health for that!
