The Most Underrated Beer Styles You Should Try Brewing

April 22, 2025

Why Sparkling Ale Deserves a Spot in Your Brewing Lineup

Let’s be honest for a moment. When most homebrewers talk about what they’re planning for the weekend, it's porters, IPAs, or lagers that dominate the conversation. These rockstars take the spotlight so often you’d think they were the only genres on tap. But there’s a true gem sitting quietly in the wings, waiting for its time to shine—Sparkling Ale.

This bubbly beauty is far too often overlooked, and it’s high time we give it some proper attention. In fact, brewing something like the Thomas Coopers Innkeeper’s Daughter Sparkling Ale might just be the shake-up your brew schedule has been waiting for. And if you’ve never tried your hand at this classic, you're missing out on one of the most rewarding styles you can make at home.

Not Just Another Pretty Brew

What makes Sparkling Ale so special is its balance. It’s not over-hopped, not weighed down with roasted malts, and not trying to be the next ultra-cool dry-hop-bomb. It’s a beer that feels generous without being proud, smooth yet exciting. The Thomas Coopers version is a nod to the old-school stuff brewed by hand, crafted in memory of Thomas Cooper’s first wife, Anne—an innkeeper’s daughter who inspired more than just the name.

This rich, deep golden amber ale oozes character. It’s malt-forward without being sweet, effervescent enough to leave a clean finish on the tongue, and it smells just like you'd hope—warm grains and a tinge of caramel.

Why You Should Brew It Yourself

For those of us who tinker with water temperatures like it’s a sacred art, or who whisper to our yeast starters (come on, we’ve all done it), a Sparkling Ale presents a fresh challenge. It’s not a basic beginner beer, but it doesn’t require your entire weekend to brew either. It's right in that sweet spot where you can flex your brewing muscles without running the risk of producing a complicated mess.

Here are a few shining reasons to add this gem to your next brew session:

Malt-forward glory: It gives you room to experiment with toasty, bready layers without going heavy.
Gorgeous visuals: That golden amber hue—oh, it pours like sunshine in a glass.
Bubbly finish: High carbonation brings life to every sip, making it a treat on hot afternoons or at backyard barbies.
A story to tell: Named after Anne Cooper, this brew is rooted in family legacy—something that speaks straight to your own passion for crafting beer that means something.

What to Expect in the Process

This kit offers a manageable 1.7kg of malt extract, so your arms aren’t falling off lifting heavy tubs. The fermentation process is smooth, and you’ll get that malt complexity coming to life by week two. You will want to condition this one a little longer—those bubbles really come together with time.

If you’ve been brewing pale ales like they’re going out of style, this is your gentle nudge to mix things up. Brewing the Thomas Coopers Sparkling Ale isn’t about chasing the trends. It’s about reconnecting with what makes brewing fun in the first place—a love for detail, a curiosity for history, and the delight in cracking open a bottle that you made yourself.

Don’t Let This Style Go Unnoticed

I still remember when I first tasted a homebrewed Sparkling Ale. It wasn’t even mine. It came from a mate who prided himself on brewing the weird stuff—the forgotten styles. He handed me a bottle, and I went in expecting something halfway between vague beige and dull bitterness. Boy, was I wrong. The fizz hit me first, like a subtle reminder that beer should feel alive. Then came that rich malt base, not cloying—just present, warm, rewarding. I’d been chasing hops for so long I’d forgotten how much joy could come from the simpler builds. It's stayed in my brew rotation ever since.

So if you're looking to try something that feels a little different—but still solidly rooted in tradition—take a crack at the Thomas Coopers Innkeeper’s Daughter Sparkling Ale. It just might become your go-to surprise crowd-pleaser. Plus, nothing says “I know what I’m doing” quite like pouring a fizzy, golden dream no one else has seen coming.

Until next time, keep brewing with heart and sharing the good stuff.
Cheers,
Candeece