What is real ale?
Real ale is traditional British beer that continues to ferment in the cask from which it is served, without added carbon dioxide. It is served in pubs from hand pumps, at cellar temperature.
The term was created in the 1970s by the Campaign for Real Ale, known as CAMRA, which was founded to protect traditional brewing methods.
At that time, many breweries were switching to keg beer, which is filtered, pasteurized and carbonated. CAMRA argued that cask ale had better flavor.
How it is served
Real ale is stored in casks in the pub cellar and pulled up to the bar using a hand pump. It is served at about 11 to 13 degrees Celsius, cooler than room temperature but not ice-cold.
Common styles include bitter, best bitter, mild, porter, stout and golden ale.
Pub landlords must look after the beer carefully, as it has a short life once a cask is opened. Good cask management is a sign of a quality pub.
CAMRA publishes the Good Beer Guide and holds beer festivals, including the Great British Beer Festival in London.