Feature: Born And Brewed In Bath

A majority of people are under the impression that ale is entirely different to beer. In fact, Ale is a member of the beer family. Its main ingredients are malted barley, brewers’ yeast and hops.

The use of brewers’ yeast ferments the beer quickly, whilst providing a fruity and sweet taste, while the hops balance the flavour giving it a bitter kick. Ale is brewed using warm fermentation methods and it is the temperature which it is brewed at, which helps determine the flavour. Other ingredients, like fruit is often added to help enhance flavours.

Bath is home to many extraordinary types of ale. Bath Ales in particular is the source of some inspiring flavours. Bath Ales is technically based in Warmley, but its flagship bar Graze is equipped with a mini-brewery and so some ale is brewed on site. Read on to find out what Ale they currently stock.

Spa or Special Pale Ale is one of the weaker ales brewed by Bath Ales only having a 3.7% alcohol volume, meaning that it is slightly watery. This is not a bad thing however, as this makes it a good thirst quencher. It is brewed with pale malt which makes it pale ale, while also giving it a beautiful yellow golden colour.

Its bitter and sweet levels are perfectly balanced with hints of zest. It contains a verity of dwarf hops which gives it a citrus fragrance. Spicy foods accompany it well.

Golden Hare is orangey blonde in colour and at first glance looks very similar to the colour of cider. It is a full flavour light ale and is brewed with floor-malted Maris Otter barley and Goldings hops. It has a wholesome aroma consisting of honey, orange and lemon, but has a spicy taste with hints of citrus and tropical fruits. It is moderately sweet with a fresh, but bitter taste.

Its alcohol volume is fairly average at 4.4% and goes well with white meats, cheese, bread and chutney.

Gem is Bath Ales flagship amber ale and it shimmers and sparkles like bronze. Its alcohol volume is relatively low at 4.1%, but that does not mean it’s not full of flavour. The ratio of bitter to sweet is perfectly balanced, making it incredibly refreshing whilst being friendly to your taste buds. This ale, like Golden Hare is also brewed with floor-malted Maris Otter barley and Goldings hops. Its scent is a mixture of toffee and spice and it goes fantastic with pies, most (if not all) meats and cheese.

Barnsey is dark chestnut in colour, but at some angles has hints of burgundy. It is full flavour ale brimming with flavours. It is unique as it is considerably sweeter than it is bitter, but still has a sharp kick. It is brewed with Maris Otter barley along with crystal and chocolate malt and so hints of chocolate can be tasted. It has a smoky, syrupy aroma and has an alcohol volume of 4.5%. Foods that go well with Barnsey are pies, pickles or anything savoury.

Our thanks to Chloe Ward for this feature on Bath Ales.