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 ProfileHopsMaltTasting notesThe fresh citrus and tropical aromas that swirl around this golden elixir will guarantee that summer sensation all year round
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Flavour ProfileHopsMalt
- Smooth / Velvety
Tasting notesA moderate body and smooth finish lead the way to endless drinkability on any occasion.![Aether XPA]()
Aether XPAView BeerXPA
Sold By Aether Brewing
Pay as little as $36.008 pack$42.0016 pack$70.004 pack$21.00 -
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.![Bright Idea XPA]()
Bright Idea XPAView BeerXPASold By Jervis Bay Brewing Co
Pay as little as $43.008 pack$51.0016 pack$84.004 pack$26.00 -
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 notesThis Double Dry Hopped XPA is fruity, floral, light and breezy. Perfect food pairing: soft goat cheese, white meat skewers, fish, charcuterie -
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.
