Recipe name	Style	User	Type	Color	OG	FG	IBU	ABV
Box of Pale	American Pale Ale	Craig Drew	Partial Mash	9 °L	1.057	1.015	29	5.5%
Citracasarillo Pale	American Pale Ale	jackref	All Grain	8 °L	1.061	1.016	39	5.9%
Cascade SMaSH	American Pale Ale	EvilGnome6	All Grain	5 °L	1.055	1.014	42	5.4%
Big Ed's Iowa Pale Ale_07-23-10	American Pale Ale	TDIowa06	All Grain	5 °L	1.054	1.013	28	5.4%
Primitive Pale	American Pale Ale	briandonnelly	All Grain	6 °L	1.053	1.014	36	5.1%
Papa Paul's Pincushion Extra Pale	American Pale Ale	Andrew Selle	All Grain	3 °L	1.059	1.018	16	5.4%
Emerald Coast Amarillo Pale Ale	American Pale Ale	alchemist4533	All Grain	8 °L	1.052	1.012	40	5.2%
easy-drinkin pale ale	American Pale Ale	P Dub	All Grain	3 °L	1.050	1.013	27	4.8%

Aroma

Usually moderate to strong hop aroma from dry hopping or late kettle additions of American hop varieties. A citrusy hop character is very common, but not required. Low to moderate maltiness supports the hop presentation, and may optionally show small amounts of specialty malt character (bready, toasty, biscuity). Fruity esters vary from moderate to none. No diacetyl. Dry hopping (if used) may add grassy notes, although this character should not be excessive.

Appearance

Pale golden to deep amber. Moderately large white to off-white head with good retention. Generally quite clear, although dry-hopped versions may be slightly hazy.

Flavor

Usually a moderate to high hop flavor, often showing a citrusy American hop character (although other hop varieties may be used). Low to moderately high clean malt character supports the hop presentation, and may optionally show small amounts of specialty malt character (bready, toasty, biscuity). The balance is typically towards the late hops and bitterness, but the malt presence can be substantial. Caramel flavors are usually restrained or absent. Fruity esters can be moderate to none. Moderate to high hop bitterness with a medium to dry finish. Hop flavor and bitterness often lingers into the finish. No diacetyl. Dry hopping (if used) may add grassy notes, although this character should not be excessive.

Mouthfeel

Medium-light to medium body. Carbonation moderate to high. Overall smooth finish without astringency often associated with high hopping rates.

Overall Impression

Refreshing and hoppy, yet with sufficient supporting malt.

Comments

There is some overlap in color between American pale ale and American amber ale. The American pale ale will generally be cleaner, have a less caramelly malt profile, less body, and often more finishing hops.

History

An American adaptation of English pale ale, reflecting indigenous ingredients (hops, malt, yeast, and water). Often lighter in color, cleaner in fermentation by-products, and having less caramel flavors than English counterparts.

Ingredients

Pale ale malt, typically American two-row. American hops, often but not always ones with a citrusy character. American ale yeast. Water can vary in sulfate content, but carbonate content should be relatively low. Specialty grains may add character and complexity, but generally make up a relatively small portion of the grist. Grains that add malt flavor and richness, light sweetness, and toasty or bready notes are often used (along with late hops) to differentiate brands.

Commercial Examples

Low to moderate hop aroma from dry hopping or late kettle additions of American hop varieties. A citrusy hop character is common, but not required. Moderately low to moderately high maltiness balances and sometimes masks the hop presentation, and usually shows a moderate caramel character. Esters vary from moderate to none. No diacetyl.

Featured American Pale Ale homebrew recipes

Recipe name	Style	User	Type	Color	OG	FG	IBU	ABV
Box of Pale	American Pale Ale	Craig Drew	Partial Mash	9 °L	1.057	1.015	29	5.5%
Citracasarillo Pale	American Pale Ale	jackref	All Grain	8 °L	1.061	1.016	39	5.9%
Cascade SMaSH	American Pale Ale	EvilGnome6	All Grain	5 °L	1.055	1.014	42	5.4%
Big Ed's Iowa Pale Ale_07-23-10	American Pale Ale	TDIowa06	All Grain	5 °L	1.054	1.013	28	5.4%
Primitive Pale	American Pale Ale	briandonnelly	All Grain	6 °L	1.053	1.014	36	5.1%
Papa Paul's Pincushion Extra Pale	American Pale Ale	Andrew Selle	All Grain	3 °L	1.059	1.018	16	5.4%
Emerald Coast Amarillo Pale Ale	American Pale Ale	alchemist4533	All Grain	8 °L	1.052	1.012	40	5.2%
easy-drinkin pale ale	American Pale Ale	P Dub	All Grain	3 °L	1.050	1.013	27	4.8%