Classic English-Style Pale Ale – British Origin Ale Styles

Classic English-Style Pale Ale Style

  • Color: Gold to copper
  • Clarity: Chill haze is acceptable at low temperatures
  • Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Low to medium malt aroma and flavor is present. Low caramel character is allowable.
  • Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Medium-low to medium-high, expressed as floral, herbal, earthy, stone fruit or other attributes. While English hop character should be present, this can result from the skillful use of hops of other origin.
  • Perceived Bitterness: Medium-low to medium-high
  • Fermentation Characteristics: Fruity esters are medium to medium-high. Diacetyl is usually absent in these beers but may be present at very low levels.
  • Body: Medium

Classic English-Style Pale Ale Vital Statistics

  • Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.040-1.056 (10-13.8 °Plato)
  • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.008-1.016 (2.1-4.1 °Plato)
  • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 3.5%-4.2% (4.4%-5.3%)
  • Bitterness (IBU) 20-40
  • Color SRM (EBC) 5-12(10-24 EBC)

2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines used with permission of Brewers Association.

Credit: 2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines – Ale Styles – British Origin Ale Styles – Classic English-Style Pale Ale