What is American pale ale?

American pale ale

American pale ale was developed in the 1980s as an American counterpart to British pale ales and bitters. These beers are typically clean and crisp, and they will have more hop character than their British equivalents as well as higher alcohol content, usually around 4.4–6.0% ABV.

The use of American hops, primarily Cascade, will give these beers distinctive citrus and piney aromas. Their color may range from dark gold to amber and copper. They are usually medium-bodied and have a subtle bitter finish. Sierra Nevada Brewery produced the prototype of American pale ale, and their version was a model on which other breweries mainly relied in production of American pale ale style.

These beers are an excellent match to hard cheese varieties, hamburgers, poultry, roasted or grilled meat, and meat pies.

California, United States of America

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Best American pale ale

Beer

Great Lakes Brewery

Canuck Pale Ale

Toronto, Canada

4.7

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Canuck Pale Ale is an American-style pale ale brewed by Great Lakes Brewery in Toronto, Ontario. It pours a deep golden color, bordering on hazy orange, and forms a thick, snow-white head. The aroma features notes of grapefruit, mango, and pine. The ... READ MORE

Beer

Wolf’s Ridge Brewing

Daybreak

Columbus, United States of America

4.6

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Daybreak by Wolf's Ridge Brewing is a refreshing and smooth American Pale Ale, known for its bright citrus and tropical fruit aromas. It offers a balanced flavor profile with a crisp malt backbone, perfect for a morning pick-me-up or a relaxed evenin... READ MORE

Beer

Fat Head's Brewery

Bone Head

Middleburg Heights, United States of America

4.6

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We can boldly say this hoppy double red ale is unlike any other you've tried. Hopped-up to the max, deep ruby in color, with a smooth as silk mouthfeel and a pungent piney aroma. Malts bone-up their magic with a hearty, biscuity, almost rustic touch ... READ MORE

Beer

Cannonball Creek Brewing

Featherweight

Golden, United States of America

4.6

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Featherweight is an American Pale Ale brewed by Cannonball Creek Brewing, known for its crisp, refreshing flavor profile with a lighter body compared to other pale ales. Typically, American Pale Ales like this one feature a balance of malt sweetness ... READ MORE

Beer

Brewery Nachmelena Opice

Sun Apa 12%

Krnov, Czech Republic

4.6

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Top-fermented American Pale Ale beer. Golden color, pleasant fullness, refreshing bitterness and aroma of flowers, fruits and citrus of American hops Cascade, Amarillo and Mosaic. READ MORE

Beer

Bull & Bush Brewery

Royal Oil

Denver, United States of America

4.6

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The smell gives off some rich molasses, caramel and booze. The taste is bold and full of dark brown sugar and caramel with some bourbon notes as well. The feel of the beer is full bodied, some subtle heat from the ABV as well. Overall a very nice bee... READ MORE