Pale Ales

Pale ale beer is a refreshing, top-fermented beer that owes its name to its colour. It is not a type of beer, but indicates the color of the beer and is therefore called pale ale. There are different types of pale ales. Read on and learn everything you need to know about pale ale.

Where does pale ale beer come from?

Pale ale is actually not as popular as other beers. Its origins lie in Belgium, where people were looking for a variation on ‘dubbel’ (double) beer. The double beer (Belgian Trappist beer) from Belgium was exported to France, but the color did not really catch on. Adding pale malt to the brewing process gave the beer a beautiful golden-yellow blonde color. Hello ‘ale ale’!

Pale ale has in fact become popular due to the appearance of the beer. Beside its characteristic color it also tastes wonderfully clean and fresh. Truly a 'nice blondie'. It is so delicious that almost every brewery in the Netherlands and Belgium has different types of pale ale beers in their line up.

Is pale ale also a blonde beer?

Blonde indicates the color of the beer but does not define the type of beer. For example, in the United Kingdom, gold-colored and top-fermented beers are referred to as pale ale. This term is therefore sometimes used by various breweries in the Netherlands and Belgium for variation or international recognition. In general, we speak of blonde beer when we talk about top-fermented beers from the Netherlands and Belgium.

Flavor of pale ale 

Pale ale can in most cases be described as light, fresh and accessible. Because less hops are added to the brewing process, it tastes less bitter than, for example, lager. In addition, you often recognize fruity notes and a full sweet flavor. These flavors combined together create a thirst-quenching beer that is often drunk during those warm summer days.

How much alcohol is in pale ale?

Depending on the beer type, the alcohol percentages vary between 4% and 6.5% with peaks of up to 8%. The term 'light' therefore mainly refers to the color and not always to the alcohol percentage. However, the ‘heavy’ pale ales are also considered easy drinkers in terms of alcohol percentage.

Shop your favorite pale ale and blonde beers at Beer Republic

Beer Republic has the widest selection of pale ale and blonde beers from all parts of the world. From a firm blonde Saison to a fantastic refreshing blonde IPA. Order now via our webshop and enjoy the tastiest blonde craft beers during those hot summer days. (or winter;)

Do you want to drink other types of beer? Than check out our dark beers, stout and porter or try something completely different such as honey beer or a lovely pilsener. Every beer lover will find the perfect beer at Beer Republic. Cheers!