Although the name pale ale originated in 18th-century England, it was mainly used for brews that were made with pale barley malt and which were slightly lighter than the standard dark and brown beers. To add to the confusion, the name was often used interchangeably with the term bitter—and to this day the difference in these two styles is somewhat vague.
Throughout the following centuries, the style evolved into different directions that were mainly influenced by different brewing practices and the choice of hops, creating a diverse style with a broad range of colors, strength, and flavors. However, most styles are malty, hop-forward, and range from gold to amber.