The Best British Ales

Britain is renowned for its ale brewing and for its quaint and comfortable pubs. To get the true taste of these islands, you’ve got to have a mug of traditional ale in one of the glorious pubs. If you’re paying a visit to the British Isles, be sure to give these ales a try.

Spitfire

This light and hoppy ale is a classic in British pubs. It can be drunk as a pint or as a bitter shandy, where lemonade is added to it. The beer is named after the famous British World War II fighter plane, the spitfire.

Abbots Ale

Named after the monastery where it was first brewed, Abbots Ale is a slightly heavier and stronger beer that has a pleasantly bitter taste.

Old Speckled Hen

Old Speckled Hen is another classic. It’s a soft ale, but it still packs a bit of a punch. Beautifully bitter, with a full bodied taste and fruity notes, it’s easy to see why this is a British favorite.

Hobgoblin

Furnished with a great label of a naughty hobgoblin, this beer is another standard feature in British pubs. Another dark ale with fruity, nutty notes, it can also be enjoyed around the world through export.