Part of the Pale, Blond and Golden Ale style and closely related Session Pale and Session Blond 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 Golden Ales, but a lower alcohol content.
Golden Ales are distinguished from Pale Ales and Blond Ales by their pronounced citrus hop character which may also impart a strong bitterness, which leads to a long satisfying finish.
Colour
Straw to Gold
Clarity
Clear to bright, but may be presented as unfined and therefore hazy
Carbonation
Low
Alcohol
Not detectable
Hop
Always present but the citrus characters dominate any earthy / spicy flavours, if indeed these are present at all
Malt
Minimal amounts only
Esters
Citrus flavours, typically grapefruit, tend to dominate
Phenols
None
Fermentation By-Products
None
Body
Light
Carbonation
Low
Finish Length
Short to Medium but some examples do linger
Attenuation
Some dryness is to be expected
Hops
Relies heavily on New World hops such as Cascade, Galaxy and Chinook to deliver that citrus and often grapefruit punch
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
