There are things about ales that might just surprise you. Three things, in fact.

First, the average beer drinker may think the difference between ales and lagers is the look, smell, and taste. But in truth, it’s all about the yeast fermentation process. Brewers know very well how complex the process is, specifically for ales. While in temperatures between 60 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, the yeast flocculating at the top of the tank will produce more fruity-esque flavors whereas the lagers are the opposite with more clean, crisp flavors. Depending on the particular ale of interest, one may experience either a fruity, nutty, or more complex tasting beer.

Second, there are many different types of ales but the most popular choices are barley wine, brown, pale, pilsner, stout, and wheat. These all taste great straight from the bottle/can but if you would like to make things more interesting, try making beer cocktails. Use these simple recipes as starters for any gathering:

Beermosas

• 1 cup chilled Mango Nectar
• 1 cup chilled Wheat Beer (Hefeweizen)

Stir gently in a glass. (Substitute: chilled blood orange juice and light lager)

Black Velvet

• 1/2 glass Stout
• 1/2 glass Champagne

Stouts pair very well with chocolate, oysters, cheesecakes and steaks.

Your guests may appreciate a fun twist to their favorite beer.

Third, Lonerider’s Sweet Josie Brown Ale was chosen as the best go-to beer at your local market according to a recent article by The State. Sweet Josie also seduced the judges with her enticing attributes which led her to win awards in the Great American Beer Festival, Carolina Championship of Beer, and US Open Beer Championship.