Excuse my ignorance, but: I've been reading about UK country pubs and there is a repeated reference to a "settle" in the pubs. I'm sure it is something very common, but what is a "settle." Also, I've enjoyed "real ale" in the UK. Are there any bottled brands avail in the US that resemble, even faintly, the flavor and texture (low carbonation) of real ale?

A settle is a wooden bench, usually with a high back.

Thank you Sheila. The pub book I was reading always made special reference to the "settle" and I could tell if it was something real fancy or real basic.

I tried to get in re the settle but Sheila beat me to it. As for an imported "real ale" - one reason they are "real" is that they are not aerated and they don't travel well. But you can get Boddingtons Pub Ale in 1 pint cans in the states. it isn't the same as the draught version - but if you serve it a cellar temp it is close.

Can't you get Bass in bottles in the US? Whilst in the US I have drunk British style beers.<BR><BR>IMHO, Boddingtons/John Smiths in cans is muck and just keg beer of the 60s/70s re-marketed (real word?) as a proper beer. <BR><BR>It is possible to export British style ales, as the IPA type (India Pale Ale) was brewed for export around the British Empire during the 19th/20th Centuries.

MMMMM Boddington's.<BR><BR>Of course there are IPA's available in the US, but I wouldn't consider them the same texture and flavor as a real ale. Boddington's is the closest. Another version of (Irish) smooth beer, though very different than real ale, is Guiness in the same kind of can. Guiness in a bottle has a lot of carbonation and isn't very good. Evo may be right (that they aren't as good as the real thing), but do what you can. <BR>

The nitrogen 'widget' cans have helped bring a closer version of cask ale to the U.S. Besides the cream of Manchester (Boddingtons), Abbott Ale & Tetleys are imported into the U.S. in these cans. Not ale, but Youngs, Guinness & Murphys are stouts available in the same type of cans. Nothing can match a well-pulled pint in a English country pub, though.

Janis, how does the ale you describe compare with the beer you tried this past August at the "Family Reunion?"

Paige!!! How are you? <BR><BR>The beer at the reunion is hard to top - it was very good, and I tried enough of it to know. <BR><BR>I still am having trouble getting on H-T. Will try after I get back from Seattle this weekend.

Janis, I'm glad I found you! I've planned a 3-week trip to the UK and Ireland this summer and need plenty of advice.<BR><BR>To Fodorites, Janis is an excellent resource, and I trust her judgment completely.