American Pale Ale

American Pale Ale is an American variation of the classic British Pale Ale. American Pale Ales are similar in color and body to their British counterparts, but have the characteristic pine or citrus flavor derived from American hops and a more dominant hops flavor.

History

American Pale Ale is a recent innovation on the classic British Pale Ale style. It evolved during the Craft Beer revolution of the 1980's when craft brewers revived the Pale Ale style using 2-row American malt and American grown hops.

Description

Medium body, less caramel than English Pale. Medium to high hop rate with corresponding aroma. Pale golden to deep amber in color. May have some fruity esters. No diacetyl. Moderate to high carbonation. Lighter in color than English Pale Ale, and distinguished by the use of American hops, which have higher bitterness and aroma than English counterparts.

Characteristics

• Color Range: 5.0-14.0 SRM
• Original Gravity Range: 1.045-1.060 SG
• Final Gravtity Range: 1.010-1.015 SG
• Bitterness Range: 30.0-50.0 IBU
• Alcohol by Volume Range: 4.5-6.0 %
• Carbonation Range: 2.3-2.8 vols
• BJCP Style Category: 10A

Ingredients

• American 2-row Pale Malt
• Crystal malt
• American hops
• Dry hopping for aroma
• American ale yeast. Low carbonate water
• Small portion of specialty grains

Examples

• Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Stone Pale Ale, Red Hook Ale, Harpoon Ale, Full Sail Pale Ale, Pyramid Pale Ale, Deschutes Mirror Pond

See Also

• Styles
• American Amber Ale

References

• American Pale Ale - Craft Brew Week