I tested best supermarket ales to try at home… winner was amber beer, that’s rich, balanced and packed with toffee notes

BREWERY hops are finally getting hip.

Ale – usually associated with bushy-bearded blokes – is enjoying a trendy renaissance, with one in three women also enjoying a regular sup.

GettyDon’t be afraid of dark and sinister-looking real ale, you can give it a go with lighter – and cheaper – versions from supermarkets[/caption] Oliver DixonHelena Nicklin, offers her selection of top newbie at-home ales[/caption]

If you’re ale-curious but wary of the dark and sinister-looking “real” stuff...