Forget everything you thought you knew about heavy brews, Dark Ale, the dark knight of beers, at least in appearance is in a league of its own. What started as a classic German staple has exploded into a global sensation with a massive cult following. Dark ales are a classic all-year-round style of beer.

What exactly is a dark ale and how does it taste?

If you're asking what is dark ale, think of it as a smooth, flavour-packed brew that swaps the bright citrus notes of a pale ale for rich, roasted goodness. A classic dark ale beer gets its deep colour from roasted malts, which dish up delicious hints of chocolate, caramel, and coffee without feeling overly heavy. It strikes a brilliant balance between subtle hop bitterness and sweet malt making it a popular choice for the cooler months, and pairs well with hearty meals.

What is the difference between dark ale and stout?

It’s an absolute classic question down at the local! The main difference between dark ale and stout comes down to the grain and the body. Stouts generally use unmalted roasted barley, which gives them an intensely dark, almost jet-black look and a heavy, coffee-like bitterness. On the flip side, a dark ale relies on malted dark grains, giving it a slightly lighter, sweeter, and more fruit-forward finish. If you want a rich brew that's still incredibly smooth and well-balanced, dark ale is your go-to.

Which are the best dark ale beer brands BWS offers?

When it comes to dark ale BWS has some legendary options on offer. For an absolute homegrown icon that has stood the test of time, you can't go past Tooheys Old Dark Ale or the wonderfully complex White Rabbit Dark Ale. We range the country’s best dark ale labels right here at BWS. Just jump on the app to check your local store's fridge, lock in a 30-minute* Store Pick-Up, or order for ASAP* delivery to have them brought straight to your door.