A question I see often popping up on different internet forums is,
“How much lactose to add for a Cream Ale?”
The answer is, “None.”
I don’t know where this idea comes from but it seems to be popular enough of an idea that it isn’t hard to find on the web. Watch this video to learn more.
Cream ale is best thought of as a yellow lager beer for non-lager brewers. The most accurate part of the beer style name is that it is indeed an ale. Fermentation for a good cream ale usually occurs in the 65-68° F range with American Ale Yeast.
The most inaccurate part of the style nomenclature is the use of the term “cream”. Cream ale is light and crisp. The best examples are dry and demonstrate some nice Pilsen malt character. The mouthfeel most of all is a medium to low body, typical of a pilsner. These characteristics combine to define a reality…there is NO place in Cream Ale for Lactose!
American cream ale usually employs a small (10% or less) amount of flaked corn or maize. The usage of this ingredient helps to lighten the body without contributing much flavor. Because of the lower fermentation temperature usually used a lower vigor to the ferment is usually seem. This may leave a slight corn like character to the beer. Which I suppose historically would come across as a cream like flavor or component. But even that flavor if present at all should be restricted and at low levels. Detectable corn flavors in any brew are an off flavor to be avoided, and American Cream Ale is not a style the serves to catch poorly fermented beers with corn flavor in it.
I love American Cream Ale for its simplicity and its easy drinking qualities. I generally do not tell people who are not craft beer indoctrinates the style name is Cream Ale. I usually simply refer to it as an American Light Ale hybrid. (People like the word hybrid.)
So keep your Cream Ale’s dry, light and crisp. Understand what ingredients you use in your favorite beer style and understand why its there… and why it’s not!
BREW ON!
Anon
Have you ever brewed before? You seem like one of those people that review beer, know the history of certain styles but have no idea how to actually brew. Yes, historically cream ale does not have lactose but that does not mean you cannot do what you want when you brew.
John
Yeah, Mike and I have brewed on occasion. Thanks for the comment, Anon. I am a fan of your poetry.
Anon
Thanks for the non answer. How was this the top Google result? Other anon is right.
John
The other anon is just as inexperienced and as rude as you. The answer to this question is none. There should not be any lactose added to a cream ale. I will adjust the post to help people like you who don’t use their real names or email addresses.
John
The post has been updated to make the answer clear as day. If you want to add lactose to a cream ale, it’s not a cream ale anymore. It’s some other beer style. Brew on.