CASK ALERT!
Sorry, Folks; no cask this week.
What the heck is cask-conditioned ale?
Cask-conditioned ale is an ale that is
unfiltered, unpasteurized and served
directly from the vessel in which it was
conditioned. The only carbonation
present is the natural carbon dioxide
produced as a result of the fermentation
process. Cask ales are served at cellar
temperature, around 54 degrees
Fahrenheit, nine or ten degrees warmer
than our regular beers. Because it is
not overly-carbonated, cask ale must be
pumped out of the cask with a hand pump,
or "beer engine."
The aroma and mouth-feel of cask ales is
vastly different than those of a regular
beer. The aroma is much more
pronounced, especially in beers that
have been dry-hopped. The mouth-feel is
far creamier and the warmer temperature
allows the flavor nuances of the beer to
be better distinguished on the palate.
Cask ales, also known as real ales, are
hugely popular amongst a growing subset
of beer drinkers, which is why we have
these cask alerts. We only ever have
eleven gallons at a time, so come on in
and try one quick! It may change your
life.
*Depending on cooperation of
temperamental casks. And temperamental
brewers.
