English-style pale ales are pale gold to amber in color and range in alcohol from 4-6%. These beers are characterized by the flavors and aromas of nutty and biscuity English malts, floral and earthy English hops and the notes of fruitiness and faint butterscotch of English yeast. Water also plays a key role in the overall character of these beers. Great examples of this style are brewed with harder water resembling that of Burton-Upon-Trent, lending these beers an impression of dryness in the finish and rounded hop bitterness.

Pale ales originated in England over 300 years ago with the advent of new technology making pale barely malt a possibility. In the 19th century, ales that were pale in color were often referred to as pale ale or bitter interchangeably. Today, there is a distinction between these styles, albeit a very fine distinction with some arguing that “bitter” refers to the style dispensed as draft and “pale ale” to the style when bottled. Noteworthy examples of this style include: Fuller’s London Pride Pale Ale, Sam Smith’s Organic Pale Ale and Marston’s Pedigree English Pale Ale.