What is bottle conditioned Ale?

Our beer is bottled straight from the fermenting vessel so it has some yeast still in suspension. We stop the fermentation process by reducing the temperature before the fermentation has finished. Once the bottle is capped, the temperature rises again to provide secondary fermentation and carbonate (condition) the beer. This process produces a little harmless sediment in the bottom of the bottle.

How long will my ale last?

Kept cool and dark, your bottle will still be fresh for many months. (Or years for the strong ales)

How should bottle conditioned ale be served?

To enjoy Ardgour Ale at its clearest it’s best to settle your bottle for a day or so before opening, then pour your beer into a glass using a single smooth pour, with more or less height depending on how the head forms, leaving the last 5ml in the bottle to avoid any sediment. Bottle Conditioned Ale is not meant to be drunk from the bottle - you can do so if you wish, but the residual yeast may impair the flavour slightly.

Should I chill my bottles in the fridge?

If you have the Gobhar Tioram lager - definitely, with Eas Geal pale - probably. With the stronger and darker ales and stouts, it’s up to you! Our ales are designed to be drunk at 12 degrees Centigrade for the optimal balance between aroma and mouthfeel. Traditional ales have a relatively low level of carbonation at around 2 volumes of CO2 You can chill it to 3 degrees in your fridge if you like it that way, but you may lose some aroma and some condition.

Can I get cask ale for a party?

Yes! We can sell you 72 pint casks and lend you all the equipment you need to serve cask-conditioned ale at an event. If you dont have access to the venue in time to settle the casks we can supply bright beer at additional cost. An equipment deposit is required for handpumps, returnable casks etc. Call us for details.