FAQs
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 and your mini cask for about 2 months before opening.
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 10ml 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 the ales, 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 1.5 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.
How do I use a mini-cask?
Settle your mini-cask for 48 hours before use. Your mini cask has a tap on the front and a vent on the top. To open it, rotate the tap surround and withdraw the spout. Open the vent by turning anti-clockwise, then draw off your beer by pressing in the button on the tap. After drawing your glass, close the vent again to maintain carbonation. Your beer will still be good for up to a week if kept cool. If you don’t have a fridge you can put a wet towel over the mini-cask and the evaporation will cool the tin.
Can I get cask ale for a party?
Yes! We can sell you a 36 or 72 pint cask and lend you all the equipment you need to serve cask-conditioned ale at an event. An equipment deposit is required. Call us for details.