Cask - Real Ale

Question 1

What is Cask Ale according to CAMRA?

Answer 1

A cask ale, or real ale, is a beer that is brewed from **traditional ingredients **and undergoes secondary fermentation in the container from which it is dispensed. It is served without the use of extraneous carbon dioxide. This means the beer is naturally carbonated by yeast in the cask, rather than being artificially forced with CO2

Question 2

What is CAMRA?

Answer 2

Campaign For Real Ale, advocates the traditional way/method of serving beer from a cask via gravity, prior to kegs, CO@ tanks and refrigeration

Question 3

What is “cask conditioned beer”?

Answer 3

a live beer that continues to condition in it’s cask, any excess CO2 being vented such that it is served at atmospheric pressure

Question 4

What is the aim of cask conditioning?

Answer 4

to complete a beer’s frementation in the cask and allow control of carbonation level by venting

Question 5

Real Ale is a natural product brewed using —– ingredients and left to mature in the —- from which it is —- in the pub through a process called ———

Answer 5

Traditional, Cask, Served, Secondary Fermentation

Question 6

Define

Cask Breather

What is it used for

Answer 6

to blanket beer in cask with CO2 rather than air, gives longer shelf life, does not exert extra pressure on beer or add carbonation

Question 7

What is cellar temp?

Answer 7

50 -55* degrees

Question 8

What is the name of the wood or plastic plug inserted into a cask and through which it will be tapped?

Answer 8

Keystone

Question 9

What is a spile?

Answer 9

Small wooden peg that is nailed to shive in order to maintain carb levels
1. soft - while keg is carbonating
2. hard - for service, remove when serving

Question 10

What conditions are required to achieve carbonation in cask ale?

Answer 10

No ingredients are added to carbonate, naturally carbonated by yeast, goes through secondary fermentation

Question 11

What is the name of the small plastic cap with holes in it that is screwed into the end of a beer engine?

Answer 11

Sparkler

Question 12

How do you know when cask ale is ready for service?

Answer 12

1. Clarity
2. Carbonation levels
3. Flavor - no diacetyl or acetaldehyde
4. Temperture 50-55*

Question 13

How long do casks last?

Answer 13

Should be sold within 3 days of being tapped

Question 14

How can you extend a cask’s self life?

Answer 14

Cask Breather - to blanket beer with CO2 rather than air