Part of the Pale, Blond and Golden Ale style and closely related Premium Blond Pale and Premium 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 but with a bit of extra body from the Premium strength. Similar flavour profile to Session Pale Ales, but a higher 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 usually 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
Medium to Full
Carbonation
Low
Finish Length
Medium to Long
Attenuation
Moderate dryness is to be expected
Hops
May vary from traditional UK grown varieties (Fuggles, First Gold, Admiral) through the 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
