American Pale Ale
Standard American · ale
A balanced, hop-forward session ale with clean malt support.
- OG
- 1.045–1.060
- FG
- 1.010–1.015
- ABV
- 4.5–6.2%
- IBU
- 30–50
- SRM
- 5–10
Description
American Pale Ale predates American IPA and remains its more drinkable sibling. Hops drive the conversation, but malt has more of a voice here — there's typically a noticeable biscuit or light caramel layer that gives the beer enough structure to stand up to the hop character without overwhelming it. ABV sits in the comfortable mid-fives, bitterness is firm but not aggressive, and the finish is clean rather than bone-dry. The style works equally well as a flagship offering and as a casual session beer.
History
Codified in the early 1980s by Sierra Nevada with their Pale Ale, the style took the English Pale Ale template and rebuilt it around Cascade hops. It was the first widely commercial American craft beer and is the direct ancestor of every modern American hop-forward ale.
Flavor notes
Citrus and floral hop aroma; medium bitterness; light caramel and bready malt; balanced, clean finish.
Classic examples
- Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
- Three Floyds Zombie Dust
- Half Acre Daisy Cutter
Service
American pint · 45–50°F
Recipes in this style
Style ranges based on multiple primary brewing-literature sources; BJCP attribution under legal review. See licensing.