A Paler Shade of Pale: Pale Ales
American, English, India, American Amber, Belgian and Blonde are all varieties and versions of pale ales, each offering inspired interpretations of international delights.
Historically, India pale ales are heavily hopped--antiseptic qualities of hops helped barrels survive oriental ocean voyages--and super malty to strike a classic balance. Americans are hopped to the max, graced with grassy and citrus scents, with big hops added at the end of or after the boil. English pale ales are solid and sturdy. The barley in a Blonde makes her nutty by nature.
Get It
All alehouses have a pale ale ... or three. Wicker Park's Piece proffers Camel Toe and Full Frontal. Emmett's Victory Pale Ale is a bold IPA, all about the hops. Three Floyd's Alpha King is a pleasant and tasty kick in the teeth..
Serve It
Pale ales are perfect in a pint glass. The thick walls keep her cool and her hops in check.
Eat With It
APAs are close companions of Camembert and are fond of Fontina; find fermented curd at your fave farmers' market. Soak unhusked corn ears in light brine, then grill them until slightly singed. Shuck and serve them with garlic butter, salt, pepper and amber ale. Shrimp from the barby soused in cocktail sauce are intimate with an IPA, as is your tofu pad thai.
Entertain With It
Unite nations around the world around a table of pale ales beyond the pale. Instill international cooperation; experience the excellence of other cultures and allow alien fare to accent your existence. Introduce an international buffet and offer samples of cuisines and pale ales across the diaspora.
Beer Notes
Beer prices are on the rise but shouldn't shrink suds sales; craft brews will continue to float the fortunes of the flat spirits industry. Climate change is altering the landscape and agricultural futures. Hop crops busted and will make particular styles pricier to produce. Wheat beer will be more expensive as cereal harvests are off. Transportation costs are not going down anytime soon. My best solution: buy the biggest and best beer available. Get the biggest bang for your buck.
Published by Kent Palmer
Kent Palmer is a veteran beer-geek, having spent time on both sides of the rail in Chicago, Il and Madison, WI. He enjoys pairing beer with food and experiences. View profile
- My Top 10 Pale AlesThere are many types of pale ales. I have combined a list of my top ten pale ales and have limited my list to American Pale Ales and American Wheat Pale Ales.
- Spicy Lamb Meatloaf with an English Pale AleMany people don't consider utilizing ground lamb as a substitute to ground beef but this can add a real flavor twist to an old recipe. Here's a simple meatloaf recipe that sports ground lamb and three English Pale Ale...
Top 10 Pale AlesPale Ales are a term to describe beers which use ale yeast and predominantly pale malts. It is a widely popular style of beer and almost every country makes one.- Beer Review: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale as a Benchmark Among American Pale Ale's What is it about Sierra Nevada Pale Ale that makes it so special? Find out why it is easy to see why this beer has become an American classic.
- Review of Flying Dog Classic Pale Ale - A Decent Pale Ale from ColoradoThis pale ale is great to cool down with when the temperature starts to rise. Cascade hops make for a quality taste, and the cool artwork on the labels is a nice touch.
- Guide to India Pale Ale
- India Pale Ale Circles the Globe
- Hail to the Pale Ale
- Guide to Belgian Strong Pale Ales
- Michelob Pale Ale - A Woman's Beer Review
- Guide to Pale Ales
- American IPAs: A Guide to American India Pale Ales