Beer variety flows as freely as the beverages themselves, and often blur the lines of categorisation. Two terms that crop up regularly but that many beer drinkers may be unable to really define are ‘craft beer’ and ‘real ale’. With the beer landscape continually evolving, understanding these popular choices can better your appreciation or help you pick the perfect gift for a beer enthusiast. This article clears the haze around these two popular types so you can browse with the knowledge you need.

Craft beer stands out for its creativity. It's the pride of small, independent breweries that dare to experiment with flavours and brewing techniques. Craft beer is a reflection of each brewer’s artistry, and presents a range of unconventional tastes that challenge traditional beer norms.

Real ale, a jewel in Britain's brewing crown, takes a more traditional route. Characterised by its natural fermentation process in the cask from which it's served, real ale offers a unique experience. It's served without the push of extra gases, leading to a subtly carbonated, flavour-rich beer that harks back to British brewing heritage.

Each type of beer differs in taste from brewery to brewery, so make sure to explore and try out what Britain has to offer to find the perfect brew for you.

Craft beer brewers are creative and make use of the vast playground of ingredients available to them - from tropical fruits to exotic spices, they aim to surprise and delight with every sip. Real ale, in contrast, sticks to the classic quartet of water, malt, hops, and yeast, with its magic lying in the traditional brewing and fermentation processes.

Real ale is famously cask-conditioned, served directly from the cask without additional nitrogen or carbon dioxide. This method offers a softer carbonation and often a deeper flavour. Craft beer, meanwhile, enjoys a variety of serving styles, from bottle to tap, and often has livelier carbonation thanks to the inclusion of gases at serving.

While craft beer is more typically associated with a medley of flavours, real ale provides a comforting return to the classics. The taste of real ale is more about depth and tradition, and it offers a reliable experience of British beer flavours.

When deciding between craft beer and real ale, consider your taste preferences - or those of the recipient, if you're selecting a gift. For adventurers eager to explore a wide array of flavours, craft beer from Britain's independent breweries offers an endless journey of discovery. Those who cherish tradition and the subtle complexities of beer will find real ale, especially from Britain's historic and independent breweries, a deeply satisfying choice. The key lies in the experience you seek: the bold innovation of craft beer or the rich heritage encapsulated in real ale.

Choosing either craft beer or real ale can also mean supporting Britain’s independent breweries. These breweries stand at the heart of both movements, whether they're pushing the boundaries of taste with craft beer or preserving the time-honoured methods of real ale production. By opting for beers from these independent producers, you contribute to a thriving beer culture and support the artisans behind your pint.

We invite you to dive into the rich variety of craft beer and real ale available from Britain's independent breweries. Whether for personal enjoyment or as a thoughtful gift, exploring these beers means participating in a tradition and innovation continuum. So, next time you're considering a beer purchase, think about the story behind each style, the independent breweries that craft them, and the culture they foster. Cheers to your next discovery in the world of beer!