What is Pale Ale?

What is Pale Ale?

30 Mar 2024

by The Craft Beer Lover

What is Pale Ale and where did it originate?

Pale Ale is a classic beer style known for its balanced maltiness, hop character, and amber to copper colour. It originated in England in the 17th century as a variation of traditional English ales. Pale Ale gained popularity due to its use of pale malt, which resulted in a lighter colour compared to other ales of the time. The style continued to evolve over the years, with variations such as American Pale Ale emerging in the United States during the craft beer revolution of the late 20th century.

Where can you find great Pale Ale?

Great Pale Ale can be found worldwide, with variations of the style brewed in countries across Europe, North America, and beyond. In England, breweries like Fuller's, Timothy Taylor's, and Theakston's are renowned for their classic English Pale Ales, known for their balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness. In the United States, craft breweries in regions like the West Coast and the Northeast produce outstanding American Pale Ales, featuring bold hop flavours and aromas balanced by a sturdy malt backbone.

What is the alcohol by volume (ABV) range of Pale Ale?

The alcohol by volume (ABV) range of Pale Ale typically falls between 4% and 6%. However, variations such as American Pale Ale or India Pale Ale (IPA) may have slightly higher ABV levels, ranging from 5% to 7% or more.

What are some food pairings that go well with Pale Ale?

Pale Ale's balanced maltiness and hop character make it a versatile pairing option for a wide range of dishes. Some popular food pairings that go well with Pale Ale include:

  1. Burgers and barbecue: The malt sweetness of Pale Ale complements the savory flavours of grilled meats, making it an excellent choice for pairing with burgers, barbecue ribs, or grilled chicken.
  2. Spicy foods: The hop bitterness of Pale Ale can help cut through the heat of spicy dishes, making it a great accompaniment to cuisine like buffalo wings, chili, or spicy Thai curries.
  3. Pizza: The crisp carbonation and hoppy bitterness of Pale Ale can cleanse the palate between bites of cheesy pizza, while the malt sweetness enhances the flavours of tomato sauce and toppings.
  4. Sharp cheeses: The caramel malt flavours of Pale Ale pair well with sharp and aged cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Parmesan, creating a harmonious balance of flavours.

In summary, Pale Ale's balanced maltiness, hop character, and moderate alcohol content make it a versatile and enjoyable beer to pair with a variety of foods.

Where can I buy Pale Ale in Australia?

If you're looking to buy Pale Ale in Australia, look no further than Only Craft Beer. Only Craft Beer offers a diverse selection of Pale Ales from some of the best independent breweries across the country. Whether you prefer classic English-style Pale Ales, hop-forward American Pale Ales, or innovative and experimental variations of the style, Only Craft Beer has something for every Pale Ale enthusiast. With the convenience of online shopping and direct delivery from the brewery to your doorstep, it's never been easier to enjoy the finest Pale Ales Australia has to offer.

What are some of the best Pale Ales available at Only Craft Beer?

At Only Craft Beer, you'll find an extensive range of top-notch Pale Ales from renowned Australian breweries. Some of the best options include: Aether's All Australian Pale Ale, a light-golden, cloudy haze and pillowing foam please the eye while the aroma bursts with tropical, juicy delight; Rocks Brewing's American Pale Ale, an easy drinking ale with subtle bitterness and clean malt finish; Your Mates Larryan easy drinking Pale Ale, full of tropical QLD fruit flavours; and Loophole's Sly Fox DryPa, a full-flavoured and extremely balanced, perfect for festivities in the Australian sunshine. With such a diverse selection available, you're sure to find your new favourite Pale Ale at Only Craft Beer.