A pale ale brewed with a combination of malts including but not limited to Maris Otter, dark Munich, Crystal 45 and flaked wheat, and several different American hop varieties. This beer is bittered with CTZ (Columbus, Tomahawk, and Zeus—three varieties often grouped together) and dry hopped with Simcoe and Cascade.

ABV: 5.7

ABW: 4.6

COLOR: 7

BITTERNESS: 40

ORIGINAL GRAVITY: 1068

AVAILABLE: CO

Brilliant amber color. Aromas of peach pastry and praline with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a long seamless, lemon curd, Devonshire cream and light leafy hop finish. Classic and irresistible.

93 India Pale Ale, St. Peter’s Brewery (England). 5.5% ABV (4/11)

Brilliant orange amber color. Aromas of toasty praline, lemon pudding, honey on rye toast and frittata with a round, silky medium body with a creamy, crisp root vegetable and citrus pith and dandelion greens-like finish. A super-sessionable, wonderfully balanced British-style IPA.

92 English Bay Pale Ale, Granville Island Brewing Co. (Canada). 5% ABV (3/11)

Rich copper color. Peach cobbler and praline aromas with supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, nutty, melon rind and mild lettuce-like hop aromas. A nicely crafted, very sessionable ale.

93 Organic Pale Ale, Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery (England). 5% ABV (3/13)

Deep copper color with a manila head. Inviting aromas of honeyed toasted English muffin and lemon curd with a crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a satiny, exceptionally well balanced finish with the emphasis on herb bread and grassy, earthy hops. Very true to style and a pleasure to drink.

92 Golden Ale, St. Peter’s Brewery (England). 4.7% ABV (4/11)

Bright pale amber color with a high head. Aromas of doughy nut bread and lemon pudding with a supple, satiny dry-yet-fruity medium body and a long, seamless grassy hop finish. Great balance and drinkability.

91 Wychcraft Ale, Wychwood Brewery Co. (England). 4.5% ABV (4/11)

Bright amber color. Aromas of citrus crème brûlée and fresh fruit breads with a supple, dryish medium body and a toasty walnut and earthy hop snap. A well-styled session ale. Very nice.

92 Pedigree English Pale Ale, Marston’s Beer Co. (England). 4.5% ABV (4/11)

Rich amber color. Aromas of omelet, praline and melba toast with a round, silky dryish medium body and a root vegetable, honeyed citrus, rye toast and grassy hop-accented finish. A great food-friendly ale that will shine with pub grub.

90 Helios Pale Ale, Upland Brewing (IN). 4.9% ABV (3/11)

Golden amber color. Aromas of toasty apricot custard pastry and praline aromas with a supple, dryish medium body and a crisp, clean melon sherbet and grassy, frissé-like hop finish. A really nice session ale.

91 Organic English Ale, St. Peter’s Brewery (England). 4.6% ABV (4/11)

Bright pale amber color. Aromas of crusty frittata and cucumber sandwiches with a round, silky dryish light-to-medium body and white nut and peppered turnip and arugula-accented finish. A go-to session ale.

89 Meantime London Pale Ale, Meantime Brewing Co. (England). 4.3% ABV (3/11)

Deep amber color. Aromas of peach soufflé and praline aromas with a crisp, dryish medium body and a tangy watercress, water chestnut and grassy earth-accented finish. A very traditional, earthy session ale.

88 Pale Ale, Theresianer (Italy). 6.5% ABV (6/11)

Golden amber color. Aromas of orange-apricot jam, buttered toasted baguette and white nuts with a supple, fruity-yet-dry medium body and a lively roasted corn and honeyed citrus finish.

87 English Ale, Tetley’s (United Kingdom). 3.6% ABV (7/12)

Rich amber color with an invincible blanket of fine foam. Aromas of cocoa-dusted cashews, fig bread and honeycomb with a satiny, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a dainty starfruit, pear and delicate spice finish. An effortlessly drinkable English session ale.

Pretty golden amber color. Aromas of pepper bread with dried stone fruits and tangerine. Supple and frothy with a dryish medium body and a salty baguette, citrus cream and pine sap-accented finish. A hoppy, zesty pale ale that will be great with spicy foods; try with chili.

93 Hop Pursuit, Full Sail Brewing Co. (OR). 6% ABV (6/11)

Slightly hazy amber color. Aromas of roasted grain, praline and dried citrus with a supple dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tangy citrus marmalade and grassy earth finish. Delicious.

92 Stone Pale Ale, Stone Brewing Co. (CA). 5.4% ABV (3/13)

Hazy copper color. Aroma of grainy honeyed toast with a crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tangy, dried citrus, grass and lightly piney hop finish. Well balanced and true to style.

91 Juniper Pale Ale, Rogue Ales (OR). 5.2% ABV (3/13)

Aromas of toasty egg washed brioche, dried citrus and piney herbs with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tangy pear, melon, peppercorn, and citrus custard like finish. Flavorful and well balanced.

91 Tipperary Pale Ale, Moylan’s Brewing Co. (CA). 5% ABV (3/11)

Bright amber color. Aromas of peach pie, honeyed grapefruit zest, zucchini bread and pine needle with a creamy, crisp dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with graham cracker smore, grilled yellow pepper and peppery radish and onion sprout-like hops on the finish. A rich and delicious beer and quenches and satisfies.

91 Burning River Pale Ale, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (OH). 6% ABV (3/11)

Pale amber color. Aromas of nut butter and brittle, vegetable frittata and raisin scone with a round, supple dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a long, wonderful balanced roasted root vegetable, citrus compote and leafy greens finish. A great food beer.

91 SupaFly Rye Roasted Pale Ale, Blue Tractor Brewery (MI). 6.5% ABV (7/12) %{Brewpub}

Cola brown color. Mustard, pumpernickel rye, root vegetable, tomato and piney hop aromas and flavors with a nicely meshed, supple medium body and a vanilla, roasted nuts, chocolate wafer and lingering peppery hop finish. Nice interplay of rye and hops.

90 Pale Ale, Full Sail Brewing Co. (OR). 5.4% ABV (3/12)

Pretty pale amber color. Fresh bread crust and light citrus aromas with a crisp, frothy, dry-yet fruity medium body and a wonderfully balanced malt and citrusy hop finish. Excellent.

90 Pale Ale, Blue Point Brewing Co. (NY). 5% ABV (3/12)

Aromas of buttered toast, citrus jam and cashew brittle with a crisp, frothy dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tangy, nicely astringent grassy hop finish.

90 Bear Ass Pale Ale, Elevator Brewing Co. (OH). 5.2% ABV (2/13)

Aromas of grilled grapefruits and peaches and honeycomb with a bold, fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and a slightly strident pine cleanser, peach sorbet, honeyed carrot and pithy citrus rind finish. Could use more malt to balance hops.

89 Impeller Pale Ale, Hop Valley Brewing Co. (OR). 5.8% ABV (4/11) %{Brewpub}

Slightly hazy amber color. Aromas of buttery peach danish, lemon curd and mint with a supple, dryish medium body and a smooth, roasted nut and peppery arugula finish. Very nice and food friendly.

89 Chatoe Rogue OREgasmic Ale, Rogue Ales (OR). 5% ABV (6/11)

Lightly hazy amber color. Rich toasted cranberry-orange bread and caramelized nut aromas with a frothy dryish medium-to-full body and a very crisp an astringent, kumquat custard and dandelion greens-driven finish. An explosively vibrant pale ale.

89 LA 31 Bière Pale, Bayou Teche Brewing (LA). 5.74% ABV (6/11)

Aromas of grainy corn flour, nut brittle, lettuce and roasted turnips are interestingly taco-like with a round dryish medium-to-full body body and crisp, okra and grassy hop bite.

89 He’Brew Genesis Dry Hopped Session Ale, Shmaltz Brewing Co. (NY). 5.7% ABV (3/12)

Grapefruit, custard and praline with a crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a lightly vegetal and grassy hop finish.

89 MOA Pale Ale, MOA Brewing Co. (New Zealand). 5.5% ABV (7/12)

Beautiful sunset orange color. Zesty hoppy aromas and flavors suggest caramel orange cake, lemon pepper and pine with a crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a lightly phenolic, charred nut, melted wax, peach custard and pine needle nuanced finish.

89 Dale’s Pale Ale, Oskar Blues Brewery (CO). 6.5% ABV (3/13)

Bright amber color. Dense aromas of caramel, dried citrus and pine blossom with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a melon, grainy dough, nut and peppery citrus and arugula-like hop finish. A really nice and fresh, hoppy pale ale.

88 Wyld Organic Extra Pale Ale, Uinta Brewing Co. (UT). 4% ABV (9/10)

Golden amber color. Aromas of grapefruit marmalade on toasted raisin bread. Round and buoyant with a dryish light-to-medium body. Crisp lively grassy earth and grain-accented finish with good astringency. A nice, easy-drinking lighter styled American pale ale.

88 Pale Ale, Walker Brown (USA). 5.3% ABV (3/11)

Amber color. Aromas of buttery praline cookie and honeyed peach tart with a silky, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a frothy, lemon chiffon and grassy, leafy green hop finish. A nice quaffable brew.

88 Wild Salmon Organic Pale Ale, Fish Brewing Co. (WA). 5.5% ABV (6/11)

Aromas of apricot and pineapple jam on toast with a silky dryish medium body and a crisp, jicama, nut and earth finish.

88 Chi-Town Pier Pale Ale, Chicago Beer Co. (IL). 5.5% ABV (10/12)

Bright golden color. Pleasant aromas of toasted fruit custard pastry, leafy hops and delicately spicy white chocolate with a supple fruity-yet-dry light-to-medium body and a crisp, delicately balanced finish. A tasty session beer.

88 Piper’s Pale Ale, Vancouver Island Brewery (Canada). 5% ABV (3/13)

Pale copper color. Aromas of salty pretzel bread, dried citrus and spiced cocoa with a supple, dryish medium body and a lettuce greens, sourdough toast, grain and cashew brittle-accented finish. More of a British-style pale ale and quite sessionable and refreshing.

88 Lancaster Pale Ale, Lancaster Brewing Co. (PA). 5.5% ABV (3/13)

Pale amber color. Aromas and flavors of peach and mango jams on toast with a supple, fruity-yet-dry medium body and a tangy, watercress, citrus custard and sprouts-like finish. A fun fruity pale ale that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

88 Point Cascade Pale Ale, Stevens Point Brewery (WI). 5.5% ABV (3/13)

Aromas of lemon poppy seed muffin and orange bread with a supple, dryish medium body and a tangy, grassy and citrus laden hop finish. A very nicely balanced all-purpose pale ale.

88 Pale Ale, Caldera Brewing Co. (OR). 5.5% ABV (3/13)

Bright golden amber color. Aromas of salt buttered toast, dried pears and oranges and subtle baking spices with a crisp, dryish medium body and a lively grassy, lemon, peppery, leafy greens-like hop finish. Tasty.

87 Wet Hop Ale, Rogue Ales (OR). 6% ABV (3/13)

Copper amber color. Aromas of fresh pine sap and sliced grapefruit with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a zesty and astringent Key lime custard, nut, and peppered kale-like hop finish. A nice fresh hop ale.

87 Pale Ale, Tap Room 21 (USA). 5.3% ABV (3/11)

Bright amber color. Aromas of peach cobbler and buttery praline with a supple, silky dry-yet-fruity medium and a lemon pepper, root vegetable and escarole-accented finish. A nice quaffer.

87 Grizzly Peak Pale Ale, Grizzly Peak Brewing Co. (MI). 5.2% ABV (4/11) %{Brewpub}

Bright amber color. Aromas of buttery praline, dates, creamy lemon curd and dusty pine with a supple, finely carbonated dry-yet-fruity medium body with a sautéed mustard green and parsnip finish and baked citrus and peppered arugula-like hops. A savory food beer; try with meatloaf.

87 U.S. Pale Ale, Capital Brewery (WI). 4.9% ABV (3/13)

Aromas of citrus marmalade on nut toast and latte with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a lively, well balanced peppery hop finish. Very clean and precise and quite quaffable in a more European vein.

86 Triple Jump Pale Ale, Track Town (OR). 5.4% ABV (3/13)

Deep amber color. Aromas and flavors of sourdough toast and candied dried citrus with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a crisp, lightly piney hop and nut finish. A nice snappy, hoppy pale ale with good balance.

86 Pale Ale, Roscoe’s Hop House (USA). 5.3% ABV (3/11)

Bright amber color. Peach cobbler and orange marmalade aromas and flavors with a silky dryish medium body and a coconut custard, parsnip and arugula-like finish.

86 28 Pale Ale, Burleigh Brewing Co. (Australia). 4.8% ABV (3/11)

Aromas of crusty orange and peach pastry breads and grapefruit-lemon pudding with a round, gentle dry-yet-fruity medium body and a honeyed dried fruit, warm tapioca and watercress-like hop finish.

86 Steelhead Extra Pale Ale, Mad River Brewing Co. (CA). 5.6% ABV (3/11)

Old gold color. Funky aromas of sweaty hard cheese rind, gym bag and crusty buttered baguette with a supple, dryish medium body and cheese crostini, lemon curd, water chestnut and kale-accented finish. An earthy, savory food beer.

86 Downstate Pale Ale, Destihl Restaurant & Brew Works (IL). 5.8% ABV (5/11) %{Brewpub}

Pale amber color. Aromas of hoppy, fruity Brach’s toffee, lemon curd on rye, peppercorns and pickled beets with a crisp, dryish medium-to-full body and toasty polenta, char-grilled citrus and root vegetables and peppery radicchio finish. A nice savory pale ale; serve with sausages.

86 Pale Ale, Wingwalker (USA). 5.3% ABV (2/12)

Aromas of honeyed biscuit, dried flower and nectarine with a soft, dryish light-to-medium body and a crisp, fruit and peppered watercress-like hop finish. A solid quaffer.

86 Pale Ale, Tap Room 21 (USA). 5.3% ABV (2/12)

Golden amber color. Aromas of apple butter and floury scone with a hint of root beer. Crisp and soft with a dryish light-to-medium body and a foamy sprouts, mint and grass-accented finish.

86 Pale Ale, Barrel Trolley (USA). 5.3% ABV (2/12)

Pale amber color. Aromas of dried fruits and lemon muffin with a supple, dryish medium body and a crisp, frothy pistachio and sprouts-like hop finish. Nicely balanced and flavorful.

86 Green Line Pale Ale, Goose Island Beer Co. (IL). 5% ABV (3/12)

Buttered toast, praline and edamame aromas with a crisp, dryish medium body and a lightly vegetal, grassy hop and honey-driven finish.

86 Pale Ale, Double Take (USA). 5.3% ABV (3/13)

Golden amber color. Aromas of banana cake and pineapple pastry with a supple, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a grainy, honeyed citrus, alfalfa sprouts and chestnut-accented finish. A decent quaffer.

86 “The Public” Pale Ale, DC Brau Brewing Co. (DC). 6% ABV (3/13)

Pale copper color. Vibrantly hoppy aromas of citrus peels, pine needle and slightly sourish succotash with a fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body and apricot jam, medicinal bark and grassy hop-driven finish. A big bold and earth and citrus hop affair for hopheads.

85 Pale Ale, Wingwalker (USA). 5.3% ABV (3/11)

Pale amber color. Aromas and flavors of praline, lemon curd and toasted bread with a crisp entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body and a soft grassy hop-accented finish. Pleasant.

85 Essential Pale Ale, Port City Brewing Co. (VA). 5.5% ABV (3/13)

Lightly hazy deep gold color. Aromas of buttered toast, candied clementine and creamed corn with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a coconut cream and grain finish with a dash of peppery leafy hops. A nice fruity session ale.

85 Rough Rider Pale Ale, High Noon Saloon & Brewery (KS). 5.3% ABV (2/13)

Aromas of buttery brioche and delicate fruit preserves with a fruity-yet-dry medium body and a grilled root vegetable and peppered watercress-like hop finish. A nicely tame pale ale that will be great with pub grub.

84 Stegmaier Pale Ale, The Lion Brewery (PA). 4.3% ABV (3/11)

Golden amber color. Bright aromas of orange and apricot marmalades on a buttery cinnamon roll with a crisp, frothy dry-yet-fruity medium body and a peach cream cheese pastry, sautéed squash and peppery broccoli rabe-like hop finish.

84 Pale Ale, Cable Car (USA). 5.3% ABV (2/12)

Bright amber color. Aromas of parmesan herb muffin, praline and honeyed dried fruit with a supple fruity-yet-dry banana taffy wrapper, nutskin and wafer-accented finish with light grassy, peppery hops.

84 Hopyard Pale Ale, Garrison Brewing Co. (Canada). 5.3% ABV (2/12)

Bright pale amber color. Bold aromas of dried peaches, bread crust and delicate herbal hops with a crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a spiced apple, pear and roasted nut-accented finish with firm grassy, rapini-like hops. Nice balance and snap.

84 Connecticut Pale Ale, Southport Brewing Co. (CT). 5.5% ABV (3/13)

Aromas of toasted nuts, tahini and edamame with a supple, dry medium body and a tangy, very grain-driven finish with leafy greens-like hops and earth in support. A nice pale ale for the table.

83 Pagosa Pale Ale, Pagosa Brewing Co. (CO). 5.2% ABV (2/12) %{Brewpub}

Hazy golden amber color. Toasty malt and citrusy hop aromas with a foamy lightly sour and grainy medium body and a pine, buttered bread and grapefuity hop finish.

The “imperialization” of styles beyond stouts is not new. Imperial, or double IPAs have quickly become one of the more successful and well-received styles carrying the imperial moniker. Featuring American hop varieties, these hop-forward beers make even hoppy American IPAs look conservative in comparison. Although hop-forward and ultimately out of balance in the traditional sense, it’s this characteristic that appeals to so many devotees of this style. For these beers, balance is not important, but finding a beer that’s palatable is. Moylan’s Brewing Co. has successfully met this challenge with both Hop Craic XXXXIPA (96 points) and Moylander Double IPA (95 points). Yes, both tremendously hop-forward, but trust me, you’ll be left with more than mouth-coating hop resin after each sip.

Although not to the extent of American-style IPAs, we’re seeing American hops being promoted from extras to featured players in other American interpretations of classic styles. More malt-forward than their brethren of the pale variety, many American brown ales are seeing an increased dose of American hops in brew kettles. Stevens Point Brewery’s Point Burly Brown Ale (91 points) and Excelsior Brewing Co.’s Bitteschlappe Brown Ale (88 points) rounded out the best American-style brown ales from this round.

Remaining much more steadfast to age-old style definitions, English-style brown ales are more malt-focused with toffee, nutty and caramel malt notes taking lead. English hop aromas and flavors provide subtle support in the background, but overall these beers are typically sweeter on the palate with hops taking a backseat to classic English malt flavors and aromas. Taking top honors this year were Rogue Ales’ Hazelnut Brown Nectar Ale (95 points), Elevator Brewing Co.’s Dirty Dick’s Nut Brown Ale (95 points) and Boston Beer’s Samuel Adams Hazel Brown (92 points).

Although I’ve made some generalizations in regards to American and British ale styles, rest assured that not all American ale styles are hop-centric, with balance between hop and malt components still being an ultimate goal for many brewers. Amber ales are typically incredibly balanced, medium-body ales featuring both malt and hops in a harmonious dance with caramel malt taking the lead. Available nationally, both Double Take Amber Ale (92 points) and Rogue Ales’ American Amber Ale (90 points) took top honors this year for amber ales.

Also, included as part of this first session of the year were seasonal doppelbocks. Originally brewed in Munich as a staple of fasting Franciscan friars, these beers are stronger versions of bock beers. For many breweries, doppelbock-style beers are only offered seasonally, but lucky for us, many of these beers can still be found in these late spring months. Highlights of this year were Capital Brewery’s Blonde Doppelbock (97 points), Fort Collins Brewery’s Doppelbock (97 points) and Boston Beer’s Samuel Adams Double Bock (92 points).

The idea of balance for many brewers still holds supreme, but for an increasing number the idea of balance is two-fold. Many brewers are taking balance within a particular style into account just as much, if not more, than overall balance. Hop-forward, malt-forward—what does it matter, right? The important question is would you have another? That’s for you to decide, and we hope the pages that follow will help. Cheers.

San Leandro, CA

A big nose of pine needles and citrus, bursts of grapefruit across the palate and a dry, clean, bitter finish, all at a modest ABV. Brewed with mostly American 2-row barley malt and some crystal malt (C-60) for body and color; hops Cascade, Simcoe and Amarillo in the boil; and Simcoe and Amarillo in the dry hop.

ABV: 5.5

ABW: 4.34

COLOR: 10

BITTERNESS: 48

ORIGINAL GRAVITY: 1050

AVAILABLE: CA

Look for a review of Sun King Brewery’s Wee Mac in the next issue of All About Beer Magazine.

Out of the Dark

Those brews initially designated “pale ale” were actually not that pale at all, but relatively pale, as they were decidedly lighter in color than common ales of the day, porter and stout. As there is some historical account of their color, we can assume that they were most likely copper or amber in hue.

The shift from coal and wood as malt-curing fuel resulted in a medium that was a vast improvement over the dark, smoky, inconsistent product of previous ages. Coke, a purer derivative of coal, and later drum-type drying mechanisms allowed maltsters to produce dried malt that was not only lighter and more consistent, but also devoid of off-flavors and toxins.

This refinement was expensive and, thus, more judiciously dispensed initially, or even reserved for the well to do. The technology eventually became less expensive, and pale ales, more affordable for the masses. The invention of the thermometer and hydrometer further broadened the availability of pale brews, as it was demonstrated that pale malt was indeed a more efficient wort-producer.

Pale ales were most common in London during the 18th and 19th century cusp, but still competed fiercely with porter and stout. One London pale ale brewer, George Hodgson, modified his recipe to accommodate English interests in India by making it stronger and adding more hops. Hence, the birth of India pale ale.

During the early 19th century, the crafty brewers at Burton-Upon-Trent in the Midlands developed pale ales of their own, as more of a local brew. Burton brewmaster Samuel Allsop succeeded in brewing one of exceptional quality, with help from an expert maltster, and offered an IPA superior to that of Hodgson. It became the preferred export.

To this point, most pale, hoppy ales were known as India pale ale or simply India ale. The burgeoning pale ale market in the Midlands was about to get even better, with additional refinement, and a more subdued formulation tailored to the local markets. This had as much to do with serendipity as it did skill, as you will see.

The water around Burton, with a high concentration of calcium sulfate, or gypsum and magnesium, is perfectly suited for the production of pale ale, especially with respect to its effect on hops. This hard water not only gives an impression of dryness in the finished beer, but also rounds out the hop bitterness, a very desirable characteristic in a brew that stakes its reputation on a robust hop profile. Instead of jabbing bitterness, there is softer, yet still formidable, hop complexity.