American pale ale

American Pale Ale

A bottle of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, a classic example of an American Pale Ale.

American Pale Ale (APA) is a style of pale ale developed in the United States around 1980. American Pale Ales are generally characterized by their use of American hops, which impart a distinctive aroma and flavor profile that is often described as citrusy, piney, or floral.

History

The American Pale Ale style emerged as part of the craft beer movement in the United States. The style was influenced by the English pale ale but adapted to use American ingredients. The introduction of new hop varieties, such as Cascade hops, played a significant role in defining the style.

One of the most iconic examples of an American Pale Ale is Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, which was first brewed in 1980. This beer helped popularize the style and set a standard for other brewers to follow.

Characteristics

American Pale Ales typically have an alcohol by volume (ABV) ranging from 4.5% to 6.2%. They are known for their moderate to high hop aroma, which can include notes of citrus, pine, and floral characteristics. The malt profile is usually balanced, providing a slight sweetness that complements the hop bitterness.

The color of an American Pale Ale can range from pale golden to deep amber. The body is generally medium, and the finish is often crisp and dry.

Brewing Process

The brewing process for American Pale Ales involves the use of American two-row pale malt as the base malt, with specialty malts added for color and flavor. The hops are typically added at various stages of the boil to achieve the desired bitterness, flavor, and aroma.

Dry hopping, a process where hops are added after fermentation, is commonly used to enhance the hop aroma without increasing bitterness.

Variations

While the classic American Pale Ale is well-defined, there are several variations within the style. Some brewers experiment with different hop varieties, leading to unique flavor profiles. Others may adjust the malt bill to create a more robust or lighter version of the style.

Related Pages

• India Pale Ale
• Craft beer
• Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
• Cascade hops