English beer has a long history, with brewing traditions dating back to the early Middle Ages, and is deeply influenced by regional styles and cask-conditioned ales. Known for their balanced flavors, English beers often feature earthy, herbal hop bitterness and malty sweetness, with popular styles like bitters, porters, and stouts offering a rich variety of both light and robust profiles.

Styles of English Beer

English beers come in a variety of styles, with Bitter being one of the most iconic, offering a balanced hop bitterness and maltiness, typically served in cask-conditioned form. Porter is a dark beer with rich, roasted flavors of chocolate and coffee, while Stout, particularly the dry or traditional English variety, is fuller-bodied with deep, malty notes and a roasted finish. Pale Ale is a lighter, crisp beer with moderate hop bitterness and a floral aroma, while Mild Ale is a lower-alcohol, malty beer with subtle flavors of caramel and toffee. Each style reflects the country’s emphasis on drinkability and the craft of traditional, real ale brewing.