Pale Ale, Session

A very popular beer style for cask conditioned beer with many brewers having at least one example in their portfolio. The main characteristic is the pale colour, lightness in body with gentle bitterness to make them easy drinking refreshing beers. Pale Ales include beers which use more traditional UK grown hops as well as 'New World' varieties for a more pungent kick.

Due to the light colour these beers are often seen as gateway beer from Lager to 'heavier' beer style such as Bitter and Stout. However they are much more than that and should be seen as much as a destination as a starting point. Although the name may have changed Pale Ales do have a history stretching back to the latter part of the 19th century though the beer would taste very different to some of the American influenced beers we have now.

Session Pale Ales are up to and including in the 4.3% ABV,they appeal to those wanting a refreshing drink which is not too high in alcohol. Above 4.3% they would be classified as Premium Pale Ale, though with a similar flavour profile. For some beers which are 5.5% or over may be categorised as an IPA. Stronger examples than this will result in the beer being a Strong Ale.

When entered in beer competitions CAMRA usually judge Pale, Blond and Golden Ales together as there is considerable cross over between these styles.