Cream Ale

This American hybrid arose after the Civil War to meet demand for a lighter, refreshing ale, often brewed as an alternative to lager where refrigeration was scarce. Clean, well-attenuated, and flavourful, it is a smooth, lightly creamy beer with subtle malt sweetness, frequently using corn or rice adjuncts and blending lager and ale techniques. It runs 4.2 to 5.6 percent alcohol with 8 to 20 IBU and a pale 2 to 5 SRM colour. Revived by craft brewers, the style is carried by Genesee Cream Ale, Little Kings Cream Ale, and Anderson Valley Summer Solstice. BJCP files it as 1C, one of the few American hybrids.

A clean, well-attenuated, flavorful American lawnmower beer. Easily-drinkable with a smooth, slightly creamy body and subtle malt sweetness.

Low to moderate malt aroma with grainy, corn, or lightly bready notes. Hop aroma absent to low, floral or spicy if present. Clean fermentation with minimal esters. Subtle sweetness, smooth and light.

Pale straw to pale gold, 2.5-5 SRM. Clear to brilliant. White head with moderate retention.

Low to moderate malt sweetness with grainy or corn notes. Low hop bitterness and flavor. Clean fermentation. Crisp, dry finish. Smooth and easy-drinking. Light and refreshing.

Light to medium body with moderate to high carbonation. Smooth, slightly creamy. Clean and refreshing.

An American hybrid style that developed in the post-Civil War era to satisfy demand for lighter, refreshing ales. Originally brewed as an alternative to lager in regions without refrigeration. Often used corn or rice adjuncts and lager/ale blending techniques. A traditional American style revived by craft brewers.

What is Cream Ale beer?

Cream Ale (BJCP 1C) — a smooth, clean, easy-drinking American hybrid beer. Style guide and specs.

What is the ABV of Cream Ale?

Cream Ale has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.2-5.6%.

How bitter is Cream Ale beer?

Cream Ale measures 8-20 IBU (International Bitterness Units).

What are some examples of Cream Ale beers?

Genesee Cream Ale, Little Kings Cream Ale, Anderson Valley Summer Solstice, Kalamazoo Cream Ale