Overview for the Cream Ale

The Cream Ale is typically light and crisp with high carbonation. The style is usually highly attenuated to be more thirst quenching. Its color ranges from straw to gold and its palate is similar to that of an American Lager. The style originated in the 1800s by Ale brewers looking to provide consumers with an offering similar to the Lager.

Style Expectations

A clean, well-attenuated, flavorful American “lawnmower” beer. Easily drinkable and refreshing, with more character than typical American lagers.

Appearance

Pale straw to moderate gold color, although usually on the pale side. Low to medium head with medium to high carbonation. Fair head retention. Brilliant, sparkling clarity.

Aroma

Medium-low to low malt notes, with a sweet, corn-like aroma. Low levels of DMS are allowable, but are not required. Hop aroma medium low to none, and can be of any variety although floral, spicy, or herbal notes are most common. Overall, a subtle aroma with neither hops nor malt dominating. Low fruity esters are optional.

Flavor

Low to medium-low hop bitterness. Low to moderate maltiness and sweetness, varying with gravity and attenuation. Usually well-attenuated. Neither malt nor hops dominate the palate. A low to moderate corny flavor is commonly found, as is light DMS (optional). Finish can vary from somewhat dry to faintly sweet. Low fruity esters are optional. Low to medium-low hop flavor (any variety, but typically floral, spicy, or herbal).

Mouthfeel

Generally light and crisp, although body can reach medium. Smooth mouthfeel with medium to high attenuation; higher attenuation levels can lend a “thirst quenching” quality. High carbonation.

Reviews

Sunlight Cream Ale

Cream Ale  •  Sun King Brewery

The award-winning Sunlight Cream Ale by Sun King Brewery is a light, please-all, easy drinker of a beer. Read More

Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale

Cream Ale  •  Alltech Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.

Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale by Alltech Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. can satisfy your sweet tooth with sugary vanilla. Read More

Gulfstream Cream

Cream Ale  •  LauderAle

Gulfstream Cream, a Cream Ale brewed by LauderAle has an approachable flavor and is easy to drink. Light and refreshing, it makes for a delightful lawnmower beer. Read More

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