They’re hoppy, they’re zippy, and they tend to make you happy. They suit a day on the beach or a night at the pub, and they’re favourites of beer newbies and craft beer nerds alike. XPAs are extra pale ales, but there’s a big question always floating around…
Extra what?
And the answer to that isn’t as straightforward as you might like…
What makes it an XPA?
Is it extra pale? Does it have extra hops? Extra alcohol? Extra marketing cred?
It can be any or all of these things. Because here’s the secret: there’s no real standard for what defines an XPA. The style is just over a decade old (compared to hundreds of years for some other styles), and there’s no real consensus on what it is.
What should you expect?
Since the XPA style is so free and easy, it makes sense for us to be a little loose here. But don’t think that means there aren’t any patterns among XPAs. It’s still a kind of pale ale, so don’t expect a whole different species of beer.
You can expect an XPA to be lighter than most IPAs - lower in bitterness, lower in hoppiness, and usually lower in alcohol.
You can expect fruity hops - think citrus zing and tropical notes, rather than resinous or dank or spicy.
And they’re usually super approachable and easy to drink - it’s hard to stop after just one!
XPA
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Flavour ProfileHopsMalt
- Smooth / Velvety
Tasting notesA moderate body and smooth finish lead the way to endless drinkability on any occasion. -
Flavour ProfileHopsMalt
- Dry
Tasting notesLight, refreshing finish -
Flavour ProfileHopsMalt
- Smooth / Velvety
Tasting notesPouring dark black with a copper tint around the edges, this marvel is only lightly bittered and stays smooth to the finish. -
Flavour ProfileHopsMalt
- Dry
Tasting notesOur take on the XPA style beefs up the body and uses a single hop, Citra throughout. Addition of crystal malt balances the assertive bitterness. -
Flavour ProfileHopsMalt
- Light
Tasting notesBig tropical hop flavours & aromas -
Flavour ProfileHopsMalt
- Chewy
Tasting notesStrong bitterness, prominent citrus and pine aroma -
Flavour ProfileHopsMaltTasting notesGreat hoppy citrus flavours. Not too bitter
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Flavour ProfileHopsMalt
- Light
Tasting notesFruit and tropical hop aroma, dry finish.![Prancing XPA]()
Prancing XPAView BeerXPA
Sold By Prancing Pony Brewery
Pay as little as $85.0024 pack$100.0012 pack$55.00 -
Flavour ProfileHopsMalt
- Dry
- Clean
Tasting notesA clean XPA. The perfect Summer drink. -
Flavour ProfileHopsMalt
- Fizzy
Tasting notesWe use a blend of Motueka, El Dorado and Vic Secret hops to bring a touch of resin alongside heaps of citrus and tropical vibes to the party. -
Flavour ProfileHopsMalt
- Light
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Flavour ProfileHopsMalt
- Smooth / Velvety
Tasting notesNice grass and tropical notes, balanced biscuit malt and yeasts. Clean, biscuity and resinous, drying and bitter late, everything you could want in a pale and then some. Centennial, Mosaic and Amarillo hops get the nod.
