Part of the Pale, Blond and Golden Ale style and closely related Session Blond and Session Golden Ales with which there is considerable cross over. Pale Ales are both light in colour and character. They appeal to those wanting a refreshing drink which is not too high in alcohol. Similar flavour profile to Premium Pale Ales, but a lower alcohol content.
Pale Ales include beers which use more traditional UK grown hops as well as 'New World' varieties for a more pungent kick.
Colour
Dark Gold to Amber
Clarity
Clear to bright, but may be presented as unfined and therefore hazy
Carbonation
Low
Alcohol
Not detectable
Hop
Always present but vary from earthy / spicy flavours stronger fruity tastes such as citrus
Malt
Is present but light in character and playing a supporting role to the hops
Esters
Fruitiness tends to be low to medium and can be tropical or citrus in nature
Phenols
None
Fermentation By-Products
None
Body
Light to Medium
Carbonation
Low
Finish Length
Short to Medium
Attenuation
Some dryness is to be expected
Hops
May vary from traditional UK grown varieties (Fuggles, First Gold, Admiral), German noble varieties to stronger New World hops such as Cascade and Galaxy
Malt
Used to give body rather than colour so Pale and Lager malts are used
Water
Often 'Burtonised' by larger brewers but town water can be used
Yeast
Ale