A pale ale is a type of beer that is characterized by its golden to amber color, hop-forward flavor, and moderate strength. It is brewed with pale malt and ale yeast, and it bridges the gap between lighter lagers and darker stouts. The term "pale ale" first appeared in England around 1703 for beers made from malts dried with high-carbon coke, resulting in a lighter color than other popular beers at the time. By the mid to late 20th century, breweries tended to designate beers as "pale ales," though customers would commonly refer to the same beers as "bitters".
The main differences between pale ale and India Pale Ale (IPA) are that IPAs have bigger hop flavors, slightly higher alcohol by volume (ABV), and may be more bitter. Pale ales generally have a lower ABV, are more balanced by malt flavors, and have a lighter, biscuity flavor compared to the hoppier notes of IPAs.
Overall, pale ales are a diverse and popular style of beer, with different brewing practices and hop levels resulting in a range of tastes and strengths within the pale ale family. Whether its an English pale ale, American pale ale, or other variations, pale ales offer a wide array of flavors and are enjoyed by beer enthusiasts around the world.
