Beerometric

The Original American Craft Beer

American Pale Ale is widely regarded as the original American craft beer, and was the precursor to American Amber Ale and American IPA, and all the follow up iterations.  Originally made as a local interpretation of British pale ales, it is decidedly hoppier, paler, less caramelly, and cleaner than its cousins from across the pond.  Anchor Brewing was the first to brew it in 1975, calling it  Liberty Ale.  1980 Sierra Nevada Pale Ale was released and quickly gained popularity.  Both were showcases for the new Cascade hops which are saturated with that citrusy grapefruit aroma, but Sierra Nevada’s is generally viewed as the prototypical APA.   The style remained the dominant American craft beer until the rise in popularity of the American IPA.  This beer sits on a foundation of pale malt, accented with a bit of crystal and caramel sometimes, and big classic American hops, piney, citrusy, floral, and a clean fermentation.  

This is going to pour clear, gold to amber in colour, and with a slightly off-white head that should stick around. The hops will hit the nose first and retain dominance, within the broad range of American character.  The classic hops are going to deliver some resinous piney, citrusy, spicy notes, where the newer varieties can deliver some major stone fruit, tropical fruit and even melon.  Malt here is in the background, supporting the hops, it’s there,  but moderate and you’re looking for neutral to grainy, with maybe a hint of caramel, toast or bread.  Some fruity esters might be in the mix depending on the yeast.  A medium-light to medium body with decent