Ales are distinguished by the use of top-fermenting Saccharomyces
cerevisiae yeast strains. These strains perform at warmer temperatures,
the ferments are faster and fermentation by-products are generally more
evident. Ales tend to have a very pronounced palate where esters and
fruity qualities are part of the character.
1. Barley Wine
a. Barley wine
Copper to medium brown. Malty
sweetness. Fruity/estery. Low to high bitterness. Medium to full
body. Low to high hop aroma and flavor. Alcoholic taste. Low to
medium diacetyl OK.
OG 1.090-1.120, Alc 8.4-12, 50- 100 IBUs, 14-22 SRM.
Young's Old Nick, Sierra Nevada Bigfoot
2. Belgian and French Ale
a. Flanders Brown
Slight vinegarlike or lactic sourness
and spiciness. Deep copper to brown. Fruity/estery. No hop flavor or aroma.
Low to medium bitterness. No diacetyl. Low roasted malt character OK.
OG 1.044-56, 4.8-5.2%, 15-25 IBU, 12-18 SRM.
Goudenband, Rodenbach.
b. Dubbel
Dark amber to brown. Sweet malty, nutty, chocolate, roast malt aroma
OK.
Medium to full body. Low bitterness, very low diacetyl OK. Low levels of
fruity-esters (especially banana) OK.
OG 1.050-70, 6- 7.5%, 18-25 IBU, 10-14 SRM.
Affligem, Westmalle.
c. Tripel
Light/pale color. Light malty and hoppy aroma. Neutral
hop/malt balance. Finish may be sweet. Medium to full body. Alcoholic,
but best examples do not taste strongly of alcohol. Spicy, phenolic clove,
banana flavors, esters OK.
OG 1.060-96, 7-10%, 20-25 IBUs, 3.5-5.5 SRM.
Westmalle, Grimbergen, Affligem.
d. Belgian Ale
Golden to deep amber. A Belgian "pale ale." Hop character
subdued. Light to medium body. Low malt aroma. Slight acidity OK. No
diacetyl. Low fruity esters in aroma and flavors. Low caramel or toasted
malt flavor OK.
OG 1.044-54, 4-6.2%, 20-30 IBU, 3.5-12 SRM.
DeKoninck, Palm, Celis Pale Bock.
e. Belgian Strong Ale
Pale to dark brown. Alcoholic. Can be vinous. Darker beers are colored
with candi sugar and not so much dark malt. Medium body. Low to high
bitterness. Low hop flavor and aroma.
OG 1.064-96, 7-11%, 20-50 IBUs, 3.5-20 SRM.
Duvel, Scaldis, Celis Grand Cru.
f. White
Unmalted wheat and malted barley. Oats OK. Often spiced with
coriander seed and dried bitter orange peel. Hop flavor and aroma "noble-
type" desired. Low to medium bitterness. Low to medium body. Dry. Low
diacetyl OK. Low to medium fruity esters.
OG 1.044-50, 4.8-5.2%, 15-25 IBUs, 2-4 SRM.
Hoegaarden, Celis White, Blanche de Bruges.
g. Biere de Garde
Deep golden to deep copper/light brown. Medium to high malt flavor.
Light to medium body. Medium hop bitterness. Light to medium hop flavor
and aroma. May have light to medium fruitiness, esteriness. Lager yeast
may be used. Earthy, cellarlike, musty aromas OK. Traditionally, a
French-style beer that improves with some aging.
OG 1.060-80, 4.5-8%, 25- 30 IBU, 8-12 SRM.
3 Monts, Castelaine, Jade.
3. Belgian-style Lambic
Intensely and cleanly sour. No hop bitterness, flavor or aroma.
Effervescent. Fruity/estery and uniquely aromatic. Malted barley and
unmalted wheat. Stale, old hops used. Cloudiness OK.
a. Faro
Lambic with sugar and sometimes caramel added. Pale to light
amber.
OG 1.044-56, 5-6%, 11-23 IBU, 6-13 SRM
b. Gueuze
Unflavored blend of old and young lambics, secondarily fermented.
Very dry or mildly sweet. Intensely sour and bitter flavor. Fruity-estery.
Pale. Light body. Use unmalted wheat, malted barley, and stale aged hops.
Very low hop bitterness.
1.044-56, 5-6%, 11-23 IBU, 6-13 SRM
c. Fruit (Framboise, Kriek, Peche)
Lambic flavored with fruits such as raspberry, cherry, peach, etc.
Fruit flavor, aroma and color are intense. Sourness predominates. Often
very dry.
OG 1.040-72, 5-7%, 15-21 IBU, (N/A) SRM.
Boon, Cantillon, Timmermans, Lindemans.
4. Brown Ale
a. English Brown
Deep copper to brown. Sweet and malty. Low bitterness. Hop flavor
and aroma low. Some fruitiness and esters. Medium body. Low diacetyl
OK.
OG 1.040-50, 4.5-5%, 15-25 IBUs, 15-22 SRM.
Newcastle Brown.
b. English Mild
Low alcohol. Light amber to very dark brown. Low hop bitterness,
flavor and aroma. Mild maltiness. Light body. Low esters.
OG 1.030-38, 3.2-4.0%, 10-24 IBUs, 8-34 SRM.
Grant's Celtic Ale
c. American Brown
Medium to dark brown. High hop bitterness, flavor and
aroma. Medium maltiness and body. Low diacetyl OK.
OG 1.040-55, 4.5-9%, 25- 60 IBU, 15-22 SRM.
Geary's Hampshire Special Ale, Brooklyn Brown.
5. English-style Pale Ale
a. Classic English Pale Ale
Golden to deep amber/copper. Low to medium maltiness. High hop
bitterness, flavor and aroma. Use of English hops such as Goldings, Fuggles,
etc. Fruity/estery. Low diacetyl OK. Medium body. Low caramel character
OK.
OG 1.044-56, 4.5-5.5%, 20-40 IBU, 4-11 SRM.
Sam Smith's Old Brewery Pale Ale, Worthington White Shield.
b. India Pale Ale
Golden to deep amber/copper. Medium body. Medium maltiness. High hop
bitterness. Hop flavor and aroma medium to high. Fruity/estery. Alcoholic
strength evident. Low diacetyl OK.
OG 1.050-70, 5-7.5%, 40-60 IBU, 8-14 SRM.
Bass, Young's Special London Ale, Grant's IPA.
6. American-style Ale
a. American Pale Ale
Pale to deep amber/red/copper. Low to medium maltiness. High hop
bitterness. Medium hop flavor and aroma. Use of American hops such as
Cascade, Willamette, Centennial (CFJ-90), etc. Fruity/estery. Low diacetyl
OK. Medium body. Low caramel character OK.
OG 1.044-56, 4.5-5.5%, 20-40 IBU, 4-11 SRM.
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Anchor Liberty Ale, Geary's Pale Ale.
b. American Wheat
Golden to light amber. Light to medium body. Low to medium bitterness.
Malt and hop flavor and aroma OK. Low to medium fruitiness and esters.
Low diacetyl OK. Lager or ale yeast used. No phenolic character.
OG 1.030-50, 3.4-4.5%, 5-17 IBU, 2-8 SRM.
Anchor Wheat, Pyramid Wheaten Ale.
7. English Bitter
Gold to copper. Low carbonation. Medium to high bitterness. May or may not
have hop flavor or aroma. Low to medium maltiness. Light to medium body.
Low diacetyl OK. Fruitiness/esters OK.
a. English Ordinary
Mildest form of bitter. Low diacetyl and fruity-esters.
OG 1.033-38, 3-3.7%, 20-35 IBUs, 8-12 SRM.
b. English Special
Moderate strength. Maltiness more evident along with increased hop
character.
OG 1.038-45, 4.1-4.8%, 28-46 IBU, 12-14 SRM.
Fuller's London Pride, Young's Ramrod.
c. English Extra Special
Strong bitter. Maltiness evident. Hop bitterness, flavor and aroma
medium to high. Full body.
OG 1.046-60, 4.8-5.8%, 30-35 IBU, 12-14 SRM.
Fuller's ESB.
8. Scottish Ale
a. Scottish Light
Gold to amber. Low carbonation. Very low bitterness. No hop hop flavor
and aroma. Medium maltiness. Light body. Low to medium diacetyl OK.
Fruitiness/esters OK. Faint smoky character OK.
OG 1.030-35, 2.8-3.5%, 9-20 IBU, 8-17 SRM.
b. Scottish Heavy
Gold to amber to dark brown. Low carbonation. Low bitterness. May or
may not have hop flavor and aroma. Medium to high maltiness. Medium body.
Low to medium diacetyl OK. Low fruitiness/esters OK. Faint smoky
character OK.
OG 1.035-1.040, 3.5-4%, 12-20 IBU, 10-19 SRM.
c. Scottish Export
Gold to amber to dark brown. Low carbonation. Low to medium bitterness.
May or may not have hop flavor and aroma. High maltiness. Medium body. Low
to medium diacetyl OK. Fruitiness/esters OK. Faint smoky character OK.
OG 1.040-1.050, 4-4.5%, 15- 25 IBU, 10-19 SRM.
Caledonian Double Dark, McEwans.
9. Porter
a. Robust Porter
Black. No roast barley character. Sharp bitterness of black malt,
without high burnt/charcoallike flavor. Medium to full bodied. Malty sweet.
Hop bitterness medium to high. Hop flavor and aroma: none to medium,
Fruitiness/esters OK. Low diacetyl OK.
OG 1.044-60, 5-6.5%, 25-40 IBUs, 30+ SRM.
Anchor Porter, Sierra Nevada Porter.
b. Brown Porter
Medium to dark brown. No roast barley or strong burnt malt
character. Light to medium body. Low to medium malt sweetness. Medium
hop bitterness. Hop flavor and aroma: none to medium. Fruitiness/esters OK.
Low diacetyl OK.
OG 1.040-50, 4.5-6%, 20-30 IBU, 20-35 SRM.
Indianapolis Dark.
10. English and Scottish Strong Ale
a. English Old Ale/Strong Ale
Light amber to deep amber/copper. Medium to full body. Malty. Hop
bitterness apparent but not aggressive, flavor and aroma can be assertive.
Fruitiness/esters high. Alcoholic strength recognizable. Low diacetyl OK.
OG 1.055-75, 6-8%, 30-40 IBU, 10-16 SRM.
Old Peculier, Thomas Hardy's Old Ale.
b. Strong "Scotch" Ale
Similar to English Old/Strong Ale. Overwhelmingly malty. Deep copper
to very black. Hop bitterness low. Diacetyl medium to high. Hop flavor and
aroma very low or absent. Full bodied. Faint smokey character OK. Malt
character balanced by clean alcohol flaovrs.
OG 1.072-85, 6.2-8%, 25-35 IBU, 10-47 SRM.
Traquair House, MacAndrews.
11. Stout
a. Classic Dry Stout
Black opaque. Medium body. Medium to high hop bitterness. Roasted
barley character is required, but can be at low levels. Slight malt
sweetness or caramel malt character OK. No hop flavor or aroma. Slight
acidity/sourness OK. Very low diacetyl OK.
OG 1.038-48, 3.8-5%, 30-40 IBU, 40+ SRM.
Guinness Draft, Murphy's Draft.
b. Foreign Style
Black/opaque. Medium to full body. No hop aroma and flavor. Slight
acidity/sourness OK. Very low diacetyl OK. Low fruity-esters OK.
OG 1.052-72, 6-7.5%, 30-60, 40+
60 IBU, 40+ SRM. Guiness Extra, Sierra Nevada Stout.
c. Sweet Stout/Cream Stout
Overall character sweet. Black opaque. Medium to full body. Hop
bitterness low. Roasted barley (coffeelike) character mild. No hop flavor or
aroma. Sweet maltiness and caramel flavors evident. Low diacetyl OK.
OG 1.045-56, 3-6%, 15-25 IBU, 40+ SRM.
Mackeson's Stout, Sam Adams Cream Stout.
d. Imperial Stout
Dark copper to very black. Hop bitterness, flavor and aroma
medium to high. Alcohol strength evident. Rich maltiness. High
fruitness/esters. Full-bodied. Very low diacetyl OK.
OG 1.075-95, 7-9%, 50-80 IBU, 20+ SRM.
Grant's Imperial Stout, Sam Smith's Imperial Stout, Courage Imperial Stout.
LAGER
Lagers are produced with bottom-fermenting Saccharomyces uvarum (a.k.a.
carlsbergensis) strains of yeast at colder fermentation temperations than
ales. This cooler environment inhibits the natural production of esters
and other fermentation byproducts, creating a cleaner-tasting product.
12. Bock
a. Traditional German Bock
Deep copper to dark brown. Medium to full body. Malty sweet
character predominates in aroma and flavor with some toasted chocolate
malt character. Low bitterness. Low hop flavor, "noble-type" OK. No hop
aroma. No fruitiness or esters. Low diacetyl OK.
OG 1.066-74, 6-7.5%, 20-30 IBU, 20-30 SRM.
Aass Bock, Frankenmuth Bock, Baderbrau Bock.
b. Helles (light) Bock
Pale to amber. Medium body. Malty sweet character predominates in
aroma and flavor. No toasted chocolate malt character. Low bitterness.
Low hop flavor, "noble-type" OK. No hop aroma. No fruitiness or esters.
Low diacetyl OK.
OG 1.066-68, 6-7.5%, 20-35 IBU, 4-10 SRM.
Ayinger Maibock
c. Doppelbock
Light to very dark; amber to dark brown. Very full body. Malty
sweetness evident in aroma and flavor can be intense. High alcoholic
flavor. Slight fruitiness and esters OK, but not very desirable. Low
bitterness. Low hop flavor, "noble-type" ok. No hop aroma. Low
diacetyl OK.
OG 1.074-80, 6.5-8%, 17-27 IBU, 12-30 SRM.
Paulaner Salvator, EKU Kulminator, Spaten Optimator.
d. Eisbock
A stronger version of Doppelbock. Deep copper to black. Very alcoholic.
Typically brewed by freezing a doppelbock and removing resulting ice to
increase alcohol content.
OG 1.092-1.116, 8.6-14.4%, 26-33 IBU, 18-50 SRM.
EKU 28, Kulmbacher Reichelbrau Eisbock, Niagra Falls Eisbock.
13. Bavarian Dark
a. Munich Dunkel
Copper to dark brown. Medium body. Nutty, toasted, chocolatelike
malty sweetness in aroma and flavor. Medium bitterness. Low "noble-type"
hop flavor and aroma. No fruitiness or esters. Low diacetyl OK.
OG 1.052-56, 4.5-5%, 16-25 IBU, 17-20 SRM.
Hofbrauhaus Dunkel, Spaten.
b. Schwartzbier
Dark brown to black. Medium body. Roasted malt evident. Low
sweetness in aroma and flavor. Low to medium bitterness. Low bitterness
from roast malt. Hop flavor and aroma, "noble-type" OK. No fruitiness,
esters. Low diacetyl OK.
OG 1.044-52, 3.8-5%, 22-30 IBU, 25-30 SRM.
Kulmbacher, Sapporo Black.
14. German Light Lager
a. Dortmund/Export
Pale to golden. Medium body. Medium malty sweetness. Medium bitterness.
Ver low "noble-type" hop flavor and aroma. No fruitiness, esters, or
diacetyl. Alcoholic warmth evident.
OG 1.048-56, 23-29 IBU, 4-6 SRM.
DUB, DAB.
b. Munich Helles
Pale to golden. Medium body. Medium malty sweetness. Low bitterness.
"Noble-type" hop flavor and aroma OK. No fruitiness, esters. No
diacetyl.
OG 1.044-52, 4.5-5.5%, 18-25 IBU, 3-5 SRM.
Hofbrauhaus, Spaten, Paulaner.
15. Classic Pilsener
a. German
Pale to golden. Light to medium body. High hop bitterness. Medium
hop "noble-type" flavor and aroma. Low maltiness in aroma and flavor. No
fruitiness, esters. Very low diacetyl OK.
OG 1.044-50, 4-5%, 30-40 IBU, 2.5-4 SRM.
Warsteiner, Beck's, Frankenmuth Pilsener.
b. Bohemian
Pale to golden. Light to medium body. Medium to high bitterness.
Low to medium "noble-type" hop flavor and aroma. Low to medium maltiness
in aroma and flavor. No fruitiness, esters. Low diacetyl OK.
OG 1.044-56, 4-5%, 35-45 IBU, 3-5 SRM.
Pilsener Urquel, Budweiser Budvar, Baderbrau.
16. American Lager
a. Diet/Lite
Very pale. Light body. Very low bitterness. No malt aroma or flavor.
No hop aroma or flavor. Effervescent. No fruitiness, esters or diacetyl.
OG 1.024-40, 2.9-4.2%, 8-15 IBU, 2-4 SRM.
Miller Lite, Bud Light, etc.
b. American Standard
Very pale. Light body. Very low bitterness. Low malt aroma and flavor.
Low hop aroma and flavor OK. Effervescent. No fruitiness, esters or
diacetyl.
OG 1.040-46, 3.8-4.5%, 5-17 IBU, 2-4 SRM.
Budweiser, Miller, etc.
c. American Premium
Very pale to golden. Light body. Low to medium bitterness. Low malt
aroma and flavor Ok. Low hop flavor or aroma OK. Effervescent. No
fruitiness, esters or diacetyl.
OG 1.046-50, 4.3-5%, 13-23 IBU, 2-8 SRM.
Michelob, Miller Genuine Draft.
d. Dry
Pale to golden. Light body. Low to medium bitterness. Low malt
aroma or flavor. Low hop aroma and flavor. Effervescent. No fruitness,
esters or diacetyl. No lingering aftertaste or bitterness.
OG 1.040-50, 4.5-5.6%, 15-23 IBU, 2-4 SRM.
Asahi Dry, Bud Dry, etc.
e. Cream Ale/Lager
Very pale. Efferevescent. Light body. Low to medium bitterness. Low
hop flavor or aroma OK. Low fruitiness/ester OK. Can use ale or lager
yeasts or combination.
OG 1.044-55, 4.5-7%, 10-22 IBU, 2-4 SRM
Little King's Cream Ale, Genesee Cream Ale.
f. American Dark
Deep copper to dark brown. Light to medium body. Low bitterness.
Low malt aroma or flavor OK. Low hop flavor or aroma OK. Effervescent.
No fruitiness esters. Very low diacetyl OK.
OG 1.040-50, 4-5.5%, 14-20 IBU, 10-20 SRM.
Michelob dark, Lowenbrau Dark.
17. Vienna/Oktoberfest/Märzen
a. Vienna
Amber to deep copper/light brown. Toasted malt aroma and flavor.
Low malt sweetness. Light to medium body. Hop bitterness "noble-type" low
to medium. Low hop flavor and aroma, "noble-type" OK. No fruitiness,
esters. Low diacetyl OK.
OG 1.048-55, 4.4-6%, 22-28 IBU, 8-12 SRM.
Dos Equis.
b. Oktoberfest/Märzen
Amber to deep copper/orange. Malty sweetness, toasted malt aroma and
flavor dominant. Medium body. Low to medium bitterness. Low hop flavor and
aroma, "noble-type" OK. No fruitiness, esters or diacetyl.
OG 1.052-64, 4.8-6.5%, 22-28 IBUs, 4-15 SRM.
Hofbraühaus, Spaten, Paulaner.
MIXED STYLE (LAGER-ALE)
The following beers are fermented or aged with mixed traditions, and could
be brewed as ales or lagers.
18. German-Style Ale
a. Dusseldorf-style Altbier
Copper to dark brown. Medium to high maltiness. Medium to high
bitterness. Very low hop flavor. No hop aroma. Light to medium body. Low
fruitiness and esters. Traditionally fermented warm but aged at cold
temperatures. No diacetyl.
OG 1.044-48, 4.3-5%, 25-48 IBU, 11-19 SRM.
Zum Uerige, Widmers.
b. Kölsch
Pale gold. Low hop flavor and aroma. Medium bitterness. Light to
medium body. Slightly dry, winy palate. Malted wheat OK. Lager or ale yeast
or combination of yeasts OK. No fruitiness, esters or diacetyl.
OG 1.042-46, 4.4-5%, 20-30 IBU, 3.5-5 SRM.
19. Fruit Beer
a. Fruit Beer
Any ale or lager made with fruit. Character of fruit should be evident
in color, aroma and flavor. Body, color, hop character and strength can
vary greatly.
OG 1.030-110, 2.5-12%, 5-70 IBU, 5-50 SRM.
b. Classic-style Fruit Beer
Any classic style of ale or lager to which fruit has been added.
Brewer to specify style.
(refer to individual styles)
20. Herb Beer
a. Herb Beer
Any ale or lager with herbs. Character of herb or spice should be
evident in aroma and flavor. Body, color, hop character and strength can
vary greatly.
OG 1.030-110, 2.5-12%, 5-70 IBU, 5-50 SRM
b. Classic-style Herb Beer
Any classic style of ale or lager to which herbs have been added.
Brewer to specify style.
(refer to individual styles)
21. Specialty Beer
Any ale or lager brewed using unusual techniques and/or ingredients other
than (or in addition to) malted barley as a unique contribution to the
overall character of the beer. Examples of specialty beers include (but
are not limited to) beers brewed with honey, maple sap or syrup; worts
heated with white-hot stones (Steinbeer); and low or non-alcoholic beers.
Examples do not include the use of fruit or herbs, although they can be
used to add to the character of other ingredients.
a. Specialty Beer
Any non-classic style fitting the above description.
OG 1.030-110, 2.5-12%, 0-100 IBU, 1-100 SRM
b. Classic-style Specialty Beer
Any classic ale or lager to which special ingredients have been added
or a special process has been used, e.g., honey Pilsener, maple porter,
sorghum stout, pumpkin pale ale. Brewer to specify style.
(refer to individual styles)
22. Smoked Beer
a. Bamberg-style Rauchbier
Oktoberfest style (see Oktoberfest) with a sweet smokey aroma and
flavor. Dark amber to dark brown. Intensity of smoke medium to high. Low
diacetyl OK.
OG 1.048-52, 4.3-4.8%, 20-30 IBU, 10-20 SRM.
b. Classic-style Smoked Beer
Any beer that is based on a classic-style beer to which smoked
characteristics have been added. Brewer to specify style.
(refer to individual styles)
c. Other (brewer to specify style)
All other beers with smoked characteristics.
(varies widely)
23. California Common Beer
a. California Common Beer
Light amber to copper. Medium body. Toasted or caramellike maltiness in
aroma and flavor. Medium to high hop bitterness. Hop flavor medium to
high. Aroma medium. Fruitiness and esters low. Low diacetyl OK. Lager
yeast, fermented warm but aged cold.
OG 1.040-55, 3.6-5%, 35-45 IBU, 8-17 SRM.
Anchor Steam.
24. Wheat Beer
a. Berliner Weisse
Pale. Light body. Dry. Sharp lactic sourness. Fruity/estery.
Between 60 and 70 percent malted wheat. Very low bitterness. No hop flavor
or aroma. Effervescent. No diacetyl.
OG 1.028-32, 2.8-3.4%, 3-6 IBU, 2-4 SRM.
Kindl, Schultheiss
b. Weizen/Weissbier
Pale to golden. Light to medium body. About 50 percent wheat malt.
Clove and slight banana character. Fruity/estery. Clove, vanilla, nutmeg,
smoke and cinnamonlike phenolics permissible. Mild sourness OK. Hightly
effervescent. Cloudiness OK. Low bitterness. Low hop flavor and aroma OK.
No diacetyl.
OG 1.048-56, 4.8-5.4%, 10-15 IBU, 3-9 SRM.
Paulaner, Hofbrauhaus.
c. Dunkelweizen
Deep copper to brown. Dark version of Weizen. Roasted malt and
chocolatelike flavors evident. Banana and cloves and other phenolics may
still be evident, but to a lesser degree. Stronger than Weizen. Medium
body. No diacetyl. Low hop flavor and aroma OK.
OG 1.048-56, 4.8-5.4%, 10-15 IBU, 16-23 SRM.
Edelweiss, EKU.
d. Weizenbock
Usually deep copper to dark brown, but light versions can be amber
to copper. Medium to full body. Alcoholic strength evident. Maltiness high.
Low bitterness. Hop flavor and aroma absent. Banana and clove character
apparent. No diacetyl. Dark versions have a mild roast malt flavor and
aroma.
OG 1.066-80, 6.5-7.5%, 10-20 IBU, 7-30 SRM.
Schneider Aventinius.
MEAD
Meads are produced by the fermentation of honey, water, yeast and optional
ingredients such as fruit, herbs and/or spices. Their final gravity
roughly determines whether they are: Dry -- 0.996 to 1.009; Medium -- 1.010
to 1.019; Sweet -- 1.020 to 1.029; or Very Sweet -- 1.030 and higher. Wine,
Champagne, sherry, mead, ale or lager yeasts may be used.
25. Traditional Mead and Braggot
a. Sparkling Traditional Mead
Effervescent. Dry, medium or sweet or very sweet (designate on entry
form). Light to medium body. No flavors other than honey. Honey character
in aroma and flavor. Low to medium fruity acidity. Color depends on honey
type. Absence of harsh and/or stale character.
OG 1.050-90, 5-11%, 0 IBU, 0-4 SRM
b. Still Traditional Mead
Not effervescent. Dry, medium sweet or very sweet (designate on entry
form). Light to full body. Honey character is aroma and flavor. Low to
medium fruity acidity. Color depends on honey type. Absence of harsh
and/or stale character.
OG 1.090-140, 11-15%, 0 IBU, 0-5 SRM
c. Sparkling Braggot
Effervescent. Made with malt. Dry, medium or sweet (designate on
entry form). Light to medium body. Honey flavors predominate.
OG 1.050-90, 5-11%, 0 IBU, 0-4 SRM
d. Still Braggot
Not effervescent. Made with malt. Dry, medium or sweet (designate
on entry form). Light to medium body. Honey flavors predominate.
OG 1.090-140, 11-15%, 0 IBU, 0-5 SRM
26. Fruit Mead
Melomel is made with any fruit. Cyser is made with apples and/or apple
juice. Pyment is made with grapes. Ingredients should be expressed in
aroma and flavor. Color should represent ingredients. Honey character
apparent in aroma and flavor. Absence of harsh and/or stale character.
a. Sparkling Melomel
Effervescent. Light to medium body. Dry, medium or sweet (designate
on entry form).
OG 1.050-90, 5-11%, 0-15 IBU, (n/a) SRM
b. Still Melomel
Not effervescent. Light to full body. Dry, medium, sweet or vey
sweet (designate on entry form).
OG 1.090-140, 11-15%, 0-20 IBU, (n/a) SRM
c. Sparkling Cyser
Effervescent. Light to medium body. Dry, medium or sweet (designate
on entry form).
OG 1.050-90, 5-11%, 0-15 IBU, (n/a) SRM
d. Still Cyser
Not effervescent. Dry, medium, sweet or very sweet (designate on
entry form).
OG 1.090-140, 11-15%, 0-20 IBU, (n/a) SRM
e. Sparkling Pyment
Effervescent. Light to medium body. Dry, medium or sweet (designate
on entry form).
OG 1.050-90, 5-11%, 0-15 IBU, (n/a) SRM
f. Still Pyment
Not effervescent. Light to full body. Dry, medium, sweet or very sweet
(designate on entry form).
OG 1.090-140, 11-15%, 0-20 IBU, (n/a) SRM
Herb Mead
Metheglin is made with any herbs or spices. Hippocras is made with spices
and grapes (spiced Pyment). Ingredients should be expressed in aroma and
flavor. Color should represent ingredients. Honey character must be
apparent in aroma and flavor. Absence of harsh and/or stale character.
a. Sparkling Metheglin
Effervescent. Light to medium body. Dry, medium or sweet (designate
on entry form).
OG 1.050-90, 5-11%, 0-15 IBU, (n/a) SRM
b. Still Metheglin
Not effervescent. Light to full body. Dry, medium, sweet or very
sweet (designate on entry form).
OG 1.090-140, 11-15%, 0-20 IBU, (n/a) SRM
c. Sparkling Hippocras
Effervescent. Light to medium body. Dry, medium or sweet (designate
on entry form).
OG 1.050-90, 5-11%, 0-15 IBU, (n/a) SRM
d. Still Hippocras
Not effervescent. Light to full body. Dry, medium, sweet or very
sweet (designate on entry form).
OG 1.090-140, 11-15%, 0-20 IBU, (n/a) SRM
CIDER
Ciders are produced by the fermentation of apple juices and optional
ingredients such as fruits and spices. Wine, Champagne, ale, lager or wild
yeasts may be used.
a. Still
Not effervescent. Less than 5.5 percent alcohol by weight (7 percent
by volume). Can be dry or sweet. Pale yellow color, must be clear or
brilliant. Apple aroma. Light-bodied and crisp apple flavor. Sugar
adjuncts may be used.
OG 1.045-53, 7%
b. Sparkling
Effervescent but not foamy. May be force-carbonated. No head. Less
than 6.3 percent alcohol by weight (8 percent by volume). Dry or sweet.
Pale yellow color, must be clear and brilliant. Light to medium body,
crisp apple taste. Sugar adjuncts may be used.
OG 1.045-61, 8%
c. New England-style
Still or sparkling dry cider. Carbonation must be natural. Between
6.3 percent and 11 percent alcohol by weight (8 and 14 percent by volume).
Pale to medium yellow color. Pronounced apple aroma. Medium to full body.
Balanced by drying tannins, but never hot due to excess alcohol. Adjuncts
include white and brown sugars, molasses or raisins. Wild or wine yeasts
only.
OG 1.061-105, 8-14%
d. Specialty Cider
Any and all adjuncts and yeasts may be used. Alcohol content must be
below 11 percent alcohol by weight (14 percent by volume). At least 75
percent apple juice must be used in the must.
1.045-105, 5.8-14%