Beer Styles  »  American Pale Ale

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ABV: 4.5 - 6.2%    IBUs: 30 - 45    SRM: 5 - 14    OG: 1.045 - 1.060    FG: 1.010 - 1.015

Refreshing and hoppy, yet with sufficient supporting malt.

Usually moderate to strong hop aroma from dry hopping or late kettle additions of American hop varieties. A citrusy hop character is very common, but not required. Low to moderate maltiness supports the hop presentation, and may optionally show small amounts of specialty malt character (bready, toasty, biscuity). Fruity esters vary from moderate to none. No diacetyl. Dry hopping (if used) may add grassy notes, although this character should not be excessive.
Pale golden to deep amber. Moderately large white to off-white head with good retention. Generally quite clear, although dry-hopped versions may be slightly hazy.
Usually a moderate to high hop flavor, often showing a citrusy American hop character (although other hop varieties may be used). Low to moderately high clean malt character supports the hop presentation, and may optionally show small amounts of specialty malt character (bready, toasty, biscuity). The balance is typically towards the late hops and bitterness, but the malt presence can be substantial. Caramel flavors are usually restrained or absent. Fruity esters can be moderate to none. Moderate to high hop bitterness with a medium to dry finish. Hop flavor and bitterness often lingers into the finish. No diacetyl. Dry hopping (if used) may add grassy notes, although this character should not be excessive.
Medium-light to medium body. Carbonation moderate to high. Overall smooth finish without astringency often associated with high hopping rates.
An American adaptation of English pale ale, reflecting indigenous ingredients (hops, malt, yeast, and water). Often lighter in color, cleaner in fermentation by-products, and having less caramel flavors than English counterparts.
There is some overlap in color between American pale ale and American amber ale. The American pale ale will generally be cleaner, have a less caramelly malt profile, less body, and often more finishing hops.
Pale ale malt, typically American two-row. American hops, often but not always ones with a citrusy character. American ale yeast. Water can vary in sulfate content, but carbonate content should be relatively low. Specialty grains may add character and complexity, but generally make up a relatively small portion of the grist. Grains that add malt flavor and richness, light sweetness, and toasty or bready notes are often used (along with late hops) to differentiate brands.

		Beer Name	Brewery	ABV	IBUs
	(1)	Fillmore Fusion Ale	Lagunitas Brewing Co.	5%	---
	(0)	Loser Pale Ale	Elysian Brewing Co.	7%	57
	(0)	Mirror Pond	Deschutes Brewery	5.0%	40
	(0)	We Support Public Transportation by Rail Pale Ale	Boylan Bridge Brewpub	6%	---
	(0)	DPA (Denver Pale Ale)	Great Divide Brewing Co.	5.4%	---
	(0)	Harpoon Ale	Harpoon Brewery	5.0%	24
	(0)	Cutthroat Pale Ale	Uinta Brewing Co.	4%	34
	(1)	Blowing Rock High Country Ale	Boone Brewing Co.	---	---
	(2)	St.Terese's Pale Ale	Highland Brewing Co.	5.2%	24
	(0)	Little Hump Spring Ale	Highland Brewing Co.	4.5%	32
	(0)	Sea Dog Pale Ale	Sea Dog Brewing Co.	4.8%	---
	(0)	Coney Island Sword Swallower	Shmaltz Brewing Co. / He'Brew	6.8%	---
	(0)	Radiant Ale	Ninkasi Brewing Co.	6%	40
	(0)	Alaskan Pale	Alaskan Brewing Co.	---	---
	(0)	Otter Creek Pale Ale	Otter Creek Brewing Co.	4.6%	---
	(0)	Slow-vannah Pale Ale	Moon River Brewing Co.	4.5%	---
	(0)	Xtra- Pale Ale	Triangle Brewing Co.	4.5%	---
	(0)	FYA	7venth / Seventh Sun Brewing Co.	6.9%	---
	(0)	Schlafly Dry Hopped APA	Saint Louis Brewery, Inc. / Schlafly	5.9%	50
	(0)	Lord Chesterfield Ale	Yuengling Beer Co.	5.4%	---