What is Real Ale?

Real ale is a type of beer produced traditionally and it’s also known as cask conditioned beer.

The main difference between real ale and other beer is that it has not been filtered or pasteurised and so the yeast is still present in the container from which the beer is served.

Because the yeast is still alive, the process of fermentation continues in the cask leading to a full flavoured beer with a natural sparkle.

By the time the beer is served, the yeast will have settled to the bottom of the cask and it is not poured into your glass.

Real ale should be clear (with exceptions such as some wheat beers), cool and full of flavour and life.

The percentage of alcohol in each beer and cider is indicated by the ABV. A typical ordinary strength bitter might be around 3.8% so take care when sampling the stronger brews.

As well as over 130 real ales, the Kent Beer Festival also has a real cider bar and a foreign beers bar.