Pale Ales originated in Great Britain as a rather general category, describing a beer that was brewed using lighter roasted malts and fermented using ale yeast. Go figure. Through time the variety became increasingly popular and even more general. Almost every country in the world has its own variation on a Pale Ale, and they really only have to have two things in common: They have to be an ale, and they have to be generally lighter in color than most other beers in the region. In fact, even the latter isn’t really true. Compared to Pilsners or golden ales, this beer could actually appear rather dark. If you go into any bar in the world and order a Pale Ale, you would really be rolling the dice as to what type of beer to expect.

So “Pale Ale” isn’t specific enough. In America alone, Pale Ale could be a general description of an American Pale Ale,  American IPA, American Double (Imperial) IPA, American Pale Wheat Ale or sometime even an American Strong Ale. How many of us have a buddy who says, “I love Pale Ales!?" What do they mean? I guess it’s no different than saying, “I like dark beer.” I just get the feeling our buddy is saying something a little more specific about the type of beer they like, but what is it?

I think, to most people, “Pale Ale” describes hops. Well, of course those other things too … you know, the color and ale yeast things, but mainly it is the hops. Lots of hops. In fact, I know that’s the case when talking about Pale Ales in America. This issue we are going to sample just a few of the hundreds of varieties of Pale Ales brewed in America. In general, these fall into the specific category of American Pale Ale, but even among these brews I found quite a diversity in character and flavor.


They Say:
Meet the Alpha of the pack ... Flying Dog Classic Pale Ale is brilliant amber in color and dry
hopped with buckets full of Cascades for an unrivaled hop flavor and aroma. This is a true representation of an American-style pale ale, using the finest ingredients. Flying Dog Classic Pale Ale is a multi-award winning product and is consistently ranked as one of the best pale ales in the U.S. This is what craft beer is all about.

I Say:
This classic American Pale Ale catches your eye with its clever name and packaging, but it keeps your attention by delivering on flavor. There is a strong floral aroma to this deep amber – almost red brew. The head is a soft golden color that, in my pour, was just a bit slighter than I’d like. There is a refreshing and crisp lemony citrus flavor with just a hint of apricot sweetness. The hops are clearly evident in the finish, with a pine flavor that lingers on the tongue.


They Say:
Our flagship ale, Stone Pale Ale is our Southern California interpretation of the classic British pale ale style. Deep amber in color, Stone Pale Ale is robust and full flavored. A delicate hop aroma is complemented by a rich maltiness.  This is an ale for those who have learned to appreciate distinctive flavor. Stone Pale Ale is great by itself, or with food that requires a beer of character.

I Say:
Stone Pale Ale pours out bold and copper with a cream colored head. Tight bubbles diminish and leave soft lacing in glass. Grape and floral notes prevail in the aroma, but the flavor holds a much different character. There is a distinct tartness of apple cider over a creamy toffee-like malt flavor. This beer is very well balanced through a pretty wide variety of tastes and smells. Definitely an expertly crafted beer.



They Say:
First introduced in 1975, Liberty Ale® is brewed strictly according to traditional brewing methods, and, like all Anchor Brewing Company products, uses only natural ingredients — water, malted barley, fresh whole hops and yeast.

A special top-fermenting ale yeast is used during fermentation and is responsible for many of Liberty Ale’s® subtle flavors and characteristics. Carbonation is produced by an entirely natural process called “bunging,” which produces champagne-like bubbles. Dry-hopping (adding fresh hops to the brew during aging) imparts a unique aroma to the ale. It is a process rarely used in this country today.

I Say:
Anchor Liberty Ale® has a rich golden amber appearance with a nice tight off-white head that held well. The aroma was robust and earthy with great citrus and floral hop notes. The aroma was balanced by the taste, which had a pronounced sweet maltiness. Tart cherries were one of my first impressions. The hops tartness lingered on the tongue and there was a pleasantly smooth mouthfeel. I was pleasantly impressed by the full-bodied nature of this beer, as I’ve found others slightly more meager. The brew has a nice balance and a slightly softer hop sharpness that would make it a crowd pleaser.


They Say:
“Eleven separate additions of cascade hops give this American Pale Ale its lush floral aromas and bold hop flavor without crazy bitterness.  Hopalicious is all natural and unfiltered for superior flavor and quality. It is brewed with passion and is best enjoyed that way.”

I Say:
The aroma of cascade hops hits you as soon as you open the bottle. It poured out golden – almost orange and slightly hazy (characteristic of an unfiltered beer) with a tight head of brilliant white bubbles that held well before leaving delicate lacing in the glass throughout the entire time I enjoyed the brew. The first flavor I noticed was a bold Cascade piney flavor. That mellowed to a smooth and sweet fruity flavor with notes of pineapple and grapefruit. Instead of a lasting pine acidity that you may expect from a beer named Hopalicious, the brew actually leaves you with a mellow grapefruit aftertaste. Extremely well balanced and superb, I would definitely go back for more of this one.


They Say:
“A  cross between American and British pale ale styles. American Cascade Hops and British East Kent Goldings account for Pull Chain’s citrus and earthy  flavors aromas, softened by malt undertones.”

I Say:
Pull Chain Pail Ale poured out golden amber with a light gold head. The body was slightly hazy and the aroma was floral and fruity. The first word out of my mouth after tasting Pull Chain was, “Sweettart.” The goal of using a combination of British and American hops is clear. The brew master wanted the hops to take center stage. The Kent Goldings hit first with a floral bitterness, while the Cascade hops emerge in the finish, leaving a lighter grapefruit tinge. The floral tartness was balanced by a sweet malt presence. I couldn’t categorize this beer as “balanced,” but I don’t think that is necessarily a bad thing if you like hops.