What the difference?

[Waterman]

Hi all, I've just been asked tonight by some friends, what is the difference between beer and ale?

 

[prolix]

beer is generic lager ale stout porter etc ale is a type of beer.

someone will probably have a better answer or prove me wrong though :grin:

 

[tubby_shaw]

In this day and age no difference what so ever :thumb:
Be it lager, stout, porter, wheat beer or whatever it is all beer.
Ale differs from lager mainly in that it is fermented warm and does not undergo a period of cold conditioning.
There would have been subtle difference in the middle ages and from the 16th century there is some evidence that the difference would have been that beer was hopped and ale spiced with different herbs.
But there are many other stories and theories

I'm also moving this into a more suitable area for discussion :thumb:

 

[Moley]

In other words, ale is beer, but beer isn't necessarily ale.

 

[dennisking]

If it tastes good who cares

 

[evanvine]

I've always believed that Ale was unhopped Beer, but I've been known to be wrong!

 

[Waterman]

Gents,
Thanks for your replies, I'm going to look a smart **** when I let my friends know whats the difference or not, considering that Saturday I hadn't a clue. They may have an idea that I have seeked some advice as they know that I'm a member of this forum...

Andy