Ale is a type of beer, distinct from lager. Ale is most popular in the UK and Ireland, but it is also found in Germany, Belgium and parts of Canada. Craft beer and microbrewery enthusiasts in the US have also discovered drinking ale.

Generally, the distinction between lager and ale lies in the type of yeast and how long the beer is fermented. Ale uses a top-fermenting yeast, and is generally fermented at a higher temperature than lager. The result is that the beer is fermented faster. Ale typically takes a bit less than a month to make, but there are varieties that require up to four months. The quickly fermented beer, as compared to other beer, contains more remaining sugar and secondary flavor compounds produced by the yeast. The result is that it has a fuller body, tends to be sweeter and often has a hint of fruit flavor.

It is worth noting that in some US states, especially in the Western US, there is a alcohol content limit for beverages that are sold as beer. When the alcohol content is above the limit, the law in these states requires the beverage to be called ale. This applies to all sorts of beer and has nothing to do with the normal definition of an ale. The commonly recognized types of ale are pale, red, brown and dark. The English bitter is a pale ale, brewed from pale barley malt. Red ale is an Irish specialty, containing roasted barley. It is less bitter and has a characteristic caramel flavor. Brown ale such as the English mild or Belgian oud bruin have are made from darker malt, and tend towards a mild and nutty taste. Finally, dark ales include stouts and porters. The most famous example is probably the Irish Guinness.

Beer experts tend to recommend that ale should be served at a higher temperature than what is ideal for lager. The rule of thumb is that the darker and stronger the beer, the warmer it should be served. Connoisseurs of ale may very well scoff at the common habit of drinking beer ice cold, as they feel that it takes away from the taste of British-style beer. Around 35 degrees, or a little more, might be perfect for light American lagers, but to bring out the flavor of a British or European ale, it would be better to serve it at around 50 degrees. To achieve this at home, leave the ale out of the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before drinking it. Then pour the ale into your favorite beer mug and enjoy.