Tasting

What does a Welsh pint taste like? A bitter smells of bread crust and caramel, with toffee, a touch of fruit, and mild hop character coming through on the palate. The head is thin and creamy, the body soft, the carbonation gentle. You drink it in bigger sips than you would a pilsner, since it's a lighter beer.

Brains SA is the classic example of the malty bitter style from Cardiff. Brains Dark represents the mild, with its dark roasted notes. From Newport comes Cwtch, by Tiny Rebel, a red ale with more hop aroma, and Purple Moose from Porthmadog earned the title "Champion Beer of Wales" in 2009 for its Snowdonia Ale.

The glass is usually a pint, 568 milliliters. The imperial pint is larger than half a quart, and many pubs also pour halves, the half pint. A popular choice is the nonic glass, with its slight bulge below the rim that makes it easier to grip and helps prevent chipping. A glass tankard with a handle is also a common sight in Wales.

Cask ale is served at around 11 to 13 degrees Celsius. It's poured using the handpump on the bar, which draws the beer up from the cellar. The bar staff pull the handle through several strokes until the glass is full. If you're served a cloudy beer, send it back, since fresh cask ale should be clear or only lightly hazy, with an aroma free of any vinegary notes.