A Cream Ale is related to an American Lagers. They are generally brewed to be light and refreshing with a straw to pale golden color. Hop and malt flavour is usually subdued but some breweries give them a more assertive character.

While Cream Ales are top-fermented ales, they typically undergo an extended period of cold-conditioning or lagering after primary fermentation is complete. This reduces fruity esters and gives the beer a cleaner flavor. Some examples also have a lager yeast added for the cold-conditioning stage or are mixes of ales and lagers. Adjuncts such as maize and rice are used to lighten the body and flavor although there are all-malt examples available.