The Ultimate Pale Ale Guide: Expert Picks That Aren’t Sierra Nevada
When you think of a classic American Pale Ale (APA), what beer comes to mind? Chances are, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is the first that pops up. This iconic beer has undoubtedly laid the groundwork for American craft brewing. But let’s get one thing clear: there’s a whole world of fantastic pale ales out there waiting to be discovered.
So, if you want to branch out beyond Sierra Nevada and explore other amazing APA options, this guide is for you. We’ve enlisted the help of a panel of craft beer experts to round up some of the best-tasting, easy-to-find pale ales that you should definitely add to your beer bucket list.
The Delight of Dale’s Pale Ale
For a Colorado-brewed alternative to Sierra Nevada, our beer experts highly recommended Dale’s Pale Ale by Oskar Blues Brewery. Despite being one of the strongest pale ales out there (6.5% ABV), Dale’s strikes an impressive balance of strong malt backbone with floral and citrus hop flavors, thanks to hefty helpings of Northern Brewer, Columbus, and Cascade hops. The hoppy bitterness contrasts brilliantly with the rich, caramel malts, making this a complex but surprisingly drinkable APA.
Believer in Mirror Pond Pale Ale
Mirror Pond Pale Ale, coming from Deschutes Brewery in Oregon, is another favorite among our panel. Delivering a brilliant balancing act of sweet malt and opulent hops, this APA boasts a distinctive, iconic flavor profile that beer lovers can’t resist. Brewed with Cascade hops, Mirror Pond Pale Ale presents a glowing copper color and a distinctive floral aroma, rounded out with a delightful bitter end. For a refreshing twist on APA, don’t miss this one out.
The Allure of Avery Brewing’s Ales
Avery Brewing Company’s Avery IPA is known to be a standout choice for its brilliant balance of strong hop bitterness with sweet maltiness. This Boulder, Colorado, brew captures everything an APA should be – aggressive hop flavor without being overpoweringly bitter, smoothed out with a malty sweet character. What sets this beer apart is a sublime grapefruit-citrus note – a welcome bonus for any citrus fan.
The Finesse of Firestone Walker’s Pale 31
Beer connoisseurs are no strangers to the reputation of Firestone Walker. Their sublime Pale 31 is often lauded as one of the finest in the pale ale category. Pale 31 has a light golden color with a huge citrusy aroma. The flavor profile leans heavily toward the hops, but there’s enough malt sweetness there to provide a balance, alongside a brilliantly crisp finish. If you’re new to the craft beer scene, Pale 31 is an excellent place to start.
The Remarkable Three Floyds Zombie Dust
Rounding off our expert picks is a superstar from Three Floyds Brewing – the Zombie Dust. This standout APA has earned a cult-like following across the States – and with good reason. Its clear, golden body, well-balanced malts, and massive hits of Citra hops offer beer drinkers a unique, fruity and resinous experience. The tropical citrus and pine notes are outstanding, making Zombie Dust a must-try for any pale ale fan.
Many of you might be loyal to Sierra Nevada, but there is a myriad of other fantastic Pale Ales out there. So, next time you reach for a cold one, consider trying one of these expert-approved APAs and expand your beer horizons!
