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The Pale Ale Appreciation Society

Holding a Glow Pale Ale from Wylam Brewery

After a recent review that I have put together for a fruity and hoppy pale ale, I was shocked to discover that there isn’t a Pale Ale Appreciation Society, and I think there should be.

Before some clever brewer realised that there were some lovely flavours to be got from an India Pale Ale (IPA), pale ales were bees knees; drinkers admired their drinkability, there balance of mild sweetness against the mild hoppy bitterness, but it just seems that today, as they don’t have the alcohol punch or the intense hop bitterness that characterises some modern day IPAs, pale ales seem to have proper fallen out of favour amongst drinkers.

For one like think that there is still a place in the glass for a pale ale, and that they have much to offer, especially for those who enjoy a subtler, more refined beer experience (like I do sometimes).

A Very Quick History Lesson

Pale ales were first brewed in the early 1700’s as an alternative to the darker, richer and more robust ales that were around at the time; the use of pale malts gave these beers the distinctive pale colour and lighter, more refreshing taste; and the generally lower ABV of pale ales provided a lovely sessionable drinking experience.

This style of beer quickly spread to other parts of the world and began to evolve over time. Today, pale ales are brewed in a variety of styles, from English Pale Ales to American Pale Ales, each bringing their own unique twist to the classic beer. 

A More Balanced Flavour

One of the defining characteristics of pale ales is their balanced flavour. Unlike their close cousin, the IPA, pale ales don’t lean too heavily on hops for bitterness, pale ales strike a harmonious note between malt sweetness and hop bitterness. This allows for a smoother drinking experience, where neither the malt nor the hops dominate.

Why I Like Pale Ales

I will always love a good pale ale, I will always love them for their balance, drinkability, and versatility. I love their subtlety over intensity.

Thanks to their balanced flavour profiles and moderate alcohol content, they can complement a wide range of dishes without overpowering the flavours of the food you are about to enjoy.

In summer they are infinitely more refreshing that your standard, heavily hopped IPA, their mouthfeel, crispness and carbonation, more akin to a satisfying lager.

Pale Ales Just Deserve More Recognition

In today’s beer landscape, where IPAs and imperial stouts often steal the spotlight, it’s easy to forget about the understated brilliance of pale ales. 

However, in my humble opinion, these classic beers deserve more recognition for their balance, versatility, and approachability. While they may not offer the high intensity hop bitterness or strong alcohol punch that modern craft beer enthusiasts may seek, pale ales excel in providing a well-rounded, refined drinking experience that is perfect for any occasion.

I am a firm believer that pale ales offer something for everyone. Their ability to showcase both malty sweetness and hop bitterness in a balance makes them a style of beer worth savouring. So, the next time you’re looking for a beer that’s both refreshing and flavourful, don’t overlook the humble pale ale.

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