It’s fair to feel confused about the difference between a pale ale and an IPA. When you look at a brewery menu, the two can seem almost indiscernible, from the types of hops used to the IBUs. I’m not just saying that alcohol needs a label (though the government says it does), but being able to tell an IPA apart from a pale ale would be nice, especially when you’re at a new brewery, and you have no idea what you might like.
So, let’s take a look at the differences between a pale ale and IPA, because there are a few factors that make these styles of brew unique from each other.
Is a Pale Ale the Same as an IPA?
No, a pale ale is not the same as an IPA. Pale ales tend to be lighter with a lower ABV than an IPA, while IPAs tend to be heavier with a higher ABV. Let’s check out the specifics of each style.
What is a Pale Ale?
A pale ale is an ale that’s…pale. Despite the name, pale ales are known for their amber-ish hue, though some more modern iterations of the brew can vary in color.
Pale ale is technically an umbrella term used to describe an array of ales, including:
- Red ale
- Amber ale
- American pale ale (APA)
- Biere de garde (surprise, surprise!)
- IPA
Yes, I just finished that list by saying that an IPA is a type of pale ale. However, I think this is just a technicality, as the IPA style is so distinct that it hardly resembles a regular pale ale.
Pale ales tend to have some bitterness and hoppiness, just not as much as an IPA would. The real balance of bitter and hop depends on the types of hops the brewer uses; for example, a Citra hop pale ale will have a juicier flavor and be relatively low in bitter flavor. Also, because a pale ale leans less on hops than an IPA, the flavor is much more balanced, letting malt flavors come through. Malts tend to have a sweeter flavor, which gives most pale ales a fantastic blend of tasting notes.
You can also tell a pale ale by its relatively medium ABV, usually somewhere in the 5-6% range. Pale ales tend to be bitter, but not IPA bitter, and hoppy, but not IPA hoppy.
What is an IPA?
The IPA is a beast in its own right, drowning beer nerds in bitter notes for years. The IPA has become the flagship brew for craft brewers, and beer detractors are quick to point out that IPAs are just too icky to drink.
As a subset of the pale ale, the IPA is packed with more: More alcohol, more flavor, more hops, more gravity, more everything.
There are also specific IPA substyles that wouldn’t be a pale ale, such as:
- Hazy/New England IPA
- West Coast IPA
- Double IPA, or IIPA
- Triple IPA, or IIIPA
- Session IPA
IPAs lean heavily on hops when compared to other styles, including regular pale ales. Most IPAs skew away from malt flavors and embrace hop flavors, which can range from bitter and dank to juicy and sweet. Like with pale ales, the core flavor of an IPA depends on the hop mix.
As with any type or style of beer, the specific difference between a pale ale and IPA comes down to whatever the brewer decides to call it. However, I would find it disingenuous to call a 7% hazy beast a pale ale, or a 5.5% citra sipper an IPA.
Pale Ale vs IPA: Main Differences
Ok, now that we’ve explored each style a bit, here are the main differences that a casual beer drinker can use to discern the two styles:
Pale Ale
- 5-6% ABV
- Amber color
- Medium hops
IPA
- 6-7.5% ABV
- Pretty much any color
- High hops
When to Choose Each Style
If you’re struggling to choose between a pale ale and an IPA, I have a few opinions on when each works best.
Pale ales are best for:
- Warm weather and sun, so things like hanging out at the pool and baseball games
- Foods that would be overpowerd by an IPA, like grilled fish, pasta, light cheeses, and so on
- An introduction to craft beer, since IPAs can be a little strong for new beer drinkers
- Any situation where you want a complement that improves the experience
IPAs are best for:
- Bold experiences that demand bold flavors
- Strong and fatty foods like burgers, fries, sharp cheddar, or hefty BBQ
- Any situation where you’re snacking on something salty, hops and salt are excellent complements
Pale Ale vs IPA: Which is Better?
Which wins in a fight between pale ale and IPA? Well, the IPA is certainly more popular since brewers will have 10 IPAs on the menu and maybe one pale ale.
However, the IPA is a type of pale ale, giving the pale an edge. But I think that IPAs have become so unique that they shouldn’t be classified as pale ales any longer. This is the day and age of the IPA, like it or not.
Personally, I like pale ales better. Thanks for reading!
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