American versions of the classic English Pale Ale style have become tremendously popular. Pioneer American craft brewers, such as Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and Anchor Brewing Co., were among the first to brew versions of the pale ale style with an American twist: a more pronounced hop profile using American hop varietals. The resulting beer has the same golden-to-copper appearance as English Pale Ale and delivers a medium malt profile, but it has a hop-forward personality and often imparts a crisp mouth-feel. The American Pale Ale recipe, which may include Amarillo, Cascade, Centennial, Columbus or other American hop varietals, creates pronounced fruit, citrus, pine and/or floral aromas and flavors that are often the mark of American Pale Ale beers. Brewers use techniques such as adding hops late in the boil phase, as well as dry hopping, to ensure the hop aromas and flavors are harnessed along with bitterness. The best American Pale Ales can be credited with sparking our love affair with hoppy beers.
Characteristics: Hoppy, citrusy, malty, medium-bodied
ABV range: 4.4 – 6.5% IBU: 30-45
Popular American Pale Ale brands: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Anchor Liberty Ale, Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale, Flying Dog Doggie Style Pale Ale, Sweetwater 420 Pale Ale, Anderson Valley Poleeko Gold Pale Ale, Fish Tale Organic Wild Salmon Pale Ale, Boulder Hazed & Infused, Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale, Widmer Drifter Pale Ale
Serving Temperature: Cool, 46-54°
Cheese Pairing Ideas: Brick, Cheddar (mild or sharp), Colby, Edam
Food Pairing Ideas: Shellfish, light fish dishes, fried foods, pizza