Red ale is a subcategory of pale ales that has become increasingly popular in recent decades. It can refer to two styles of beer which are some shade of red or light brown in hue: Irish red ale and Flanders red ale from Belgium. The origin of Red Ale is still unclear but it is said that it originated in Ireland and England.
Red ales are also known as Irish Reds and Scottish Ales. They are amber to red-brown in colour and may have a slightly roasted malt taste. The characteristic bitterness is usually not as strong as in other styles of ale but may range from moderate to high.
One distinguishing characteristic of these beers is that they are brewed with fewer hops than pale ales or India Pale Ales, but still possess a subtly bitter flavour profile. Originally brewed in Scotland and Ireland, they are much more tamed-down versions of the English Brown or Old Ale styles which were popular during this time period in Europe.