Ale before the middle ages would have had other bittering substances added such as herbs, rather than just be a boiled and fermented malt drink. Hops just made it better. But in many respects as a home brewer I don't really care what my beer/ale is called. If I am being honest some of it has been ****. And worse than commercial brews. Those tended to be back when I first started back in the late 70's, and it was a eureka moment when a brew came out good. I did eventually discover the reason. Sodium Metabisulphite, but that is another story. But I know my beer has wholesome ingredients, and has been showered with tender loving care. Whether that could be described as a Craft Beer, Artisan Brewed, or heavens above even Real, I don't care. According to CAMRA it's not Real Ale. I serve it with a CO2 aspirator, so that rules that one out. But it is generally good, so I'm going to throw another descriptive into the hat, Good Ale and on occasion Great Ale. :lol:
