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About American Style Pale Ale

About American Style Pale Ale
Despite their name, pale ales tend to appear amber in color. They range from 4.5-6% in alcohol and feature crisp, full-bodied flavors and aromas. U.S. versions of pale ales are crisper and feature a higher hop profile than original English versions of the style. Pale ales have become one of the benchmarks by which craft brewers are judged in the US. Noteworthy examples of this style include: Goose Island Green Line Pale Ale, Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale, Great Lakes Burning River Pale Ale and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.

Top Picks for American Style Pale Ale

Harpoon Brewery Rec League Hazy Pale Ale
93 points
Harpoon Brewery
Rec League Hazy Pale Ale
Cloudy gold color. Hoppy aromas and flavors of orange pith, mango pit, eucalyptus, and cucumber salad with a round, vibrant, effervescent, dryish light-to-medium body and a polished, engaging, medium-long finish evoking notes of tangerine gelato, papaya custard, baklava with orange flower water, and coriander finish. A bold, hop-forward ale with a very attractive brightness.
93 points
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Date Tasted:
Burleigh Brewing Co. Burleigh All Ways Hopped Strong Pale Ale
89 points
Burleigh Brewing Co.
Burleigh All Ways Hopped Strong Pale Ale
Minutely hazy golden amber color. Aromas of romaine, toasted onion roll, and grapefruit curd with a satiny, vibrant, effervescent, dry medium body and a tingling, relaxed ground nuts, carrot tops, grilled parsnips, and injera bread finish. A dry, chewy APA for pairing.
89 points
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Date Tasted:
Burleigh Brewing Co. Burleigh 28 Pale Ale
88 points
Burleigh Brewing Co.
Burleigh 28 Pale Ale
Light goldcopper color. Aromas of caramelized citrus and nuts, grilled belgian endive, and raw walnut with a satiny, crisp, effervescent, dryish light-to-medium body and a seamless, interesting, medium-length breadsticks, marmite, and caramel finish. A well balanced and refreshing pale ale that will go well with pub food.
88 points
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Date Tasted:
Vancouver Island Brewing Faller Northwest Pale Ale
88 points
Vancouver Island Brewing
Faller Northwest Pale Ale
Minutely hazy pale gold color. Aromas of bruised green onion, charred orange peel, raw rosemary, and fresh pine needle with a round, crisp, effervescent, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a polished, medium-length grapefruit soda, multigrain wheat cracker, bitter greens, and malort finish. A rock solid, crushable pale ale with everything in its proper place.
88 points
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Date Tasted:
Wild Leap Brew Co. Metagalactic Enigma Pale Ale
87 points
Wild Leap Brew Co.
Metagalactic Enigma Pale Ale
Hazy pale light gold color. Aromas of raw green onion, wet grass, mango skins, and grapefruit pith with a soft, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, delightful, brisk Wonderbread crust, orange marmalade, fresh thyme, and fresh grapefruit juice finish. A hop-forward, tropical pale ale in a juicy, summertime style.
87 points
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Date Tasted:
Burleigh Brewing Co. Twisted Palm Ale
85 points
Burleigh Brewing Co.
Twisted Palm Ale
Golden amber color. Aromas of dried mango and orange pith with a satiny, vibrant, effervescent, dry light-to-medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length lavash, caraway, and crisp lettuces finish. A light and lager-like IPA with a balanced bitterness.
85 points
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Date Tasted:
Burleigh Brewing Co. Mid Tide Pale Ale
85 points
Burleigh Brewing Co.
Mid Tide Pale Ale
Gold color. Hoppy aromas and flavors of juicy mango candies, apricot jam, tangerine, and fruity panettone with a satiny, bright, effervescent, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a graceful, amusing, medium-length finish manifesting touches of toasted pine nuts and dried apricot and pineapple finish. The Pale Ale for those that adore the aromatics of American hops, but desire a less bitter sipping experience.
85 points
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Date Tasted:
4 Hands Brewing Co. City Wide American Pale Ale
85 points
4 Hands Brewing Co.
City Wide American Pale Ale
Minutely hazy medium golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of melon rind and toasted sourdough with a syrupy, soft, petillant, fruity light-to-medium body and a sparse finish. A light and breezy pale ale best for the ballpark.
85 points
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Date Tasted:
Unlawful Assembly Brewing Co. Public Dissent Pale Ale
84 points
Unlawful Assembly Brewing Co.
Public Dissent Pale Ale
Hazy golden amber color. Aromas of caramelized popovers, steamed bok choy, corn pudding, and sweet potato with a supple, crisp, spritzy, dry medium body and a cheery savory grits and mushroom broth finish. A dry and savory brew.
84 points
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Date Tasted: