A cream ale is a classic beer style very closely related to mass market light lagers from Bud, Miller and Coors. Very high thirst-quenching drinkability, light pale yellow in color with a touch of malty flavor and just enough hops to take the sweet edge off. If you like that type of beer but don't have the ability to ferment lagers cold, a cream ale is the next best option. Don't confuse cream ale with cream soda. This is not a sweet dessert like beer at all. We only mention this because it is apparently a common misconception.

The recipe is designed to have 3 gallons of water in the boil pot at the start of the boil, which requires at least a 16 quart/ 4 gallon pot.