Did you know the first beer was brewed around 7000 BCE? The ancient Chinese were the first ones who documented this process. Today, there are hundreds of different beers available.
However, not everybody knows what they should about American pale ale. So, we’ve put together a brief guide that details the key information you should keep in mind.
Let’s take a closer look at APA beer.
1. So, What Is American Pale Ale?
It is an ale beer style that originated in the United States. It is highly hopped, meaning it has a higher level of bitterness and aroma than other alcoholic beverages.
The color is usually golden to copper-colored, with an ABV between 4% and 6%. American pale ales have some distinct characteristics that make them stand out from other beer styles. For one, they use American hops such as Cascade and Chinook, which lend a unique flavor to the beer.
The body of an American pale ale is medium-light with a clean finish that quenches your thirst. American pale ales pair well with rich foods such as barbecue and grilled meats. They also work great with Mexican and Latin American dishes.
The citrusy flavor of the beer enhances the spicy flavors of these foods. You shouldn’t overlook how effective this type of beer is at bringing out the flavors of certain foods.
Even having a single APA with one of the above dishes can substantially improve the taste of the food. Once you give it a shot, you might prefer to have an APA with these meals in the future!
2. How Is It Brewed?
American pale ales use malt and hops that are typical of American craft beer. The malt is usually a blend of two-row and six-row barley, while the hops used can vary from one batch to another.
The mash temperature should be around 149°F (65°C) for optimum results. Malts are added to the mash, and when it has reached the right temperature, the hops are added.
This process lends a unique flavor to American pale ales that you won’t find with other beer styles. The fermentation process is similar to most ale beers. The wort is fermented for about 10 days with a specific strain of yeast. Once fermentation is complete, the beer is ready to be bottled or kegged.
3. What’s the Difference between American Pale Ale and India Pale Ale (IPA)?
The main difference between American pale ale and India pale ale is in the hops.
IPAs use English hops, while APAs are made with American hops that give off citrusy flavors. Additionally, IPAs are usually higher in alcohol content than APAs.
However, there are APAs available that have a relatively high alcohol content compared to traditional APA. So, you have the opportunity to choose a stronger beer that still has the flavors you like. Be sure that you keep this in mind the next time you go out to grab a drink.
4. Where Can I Buy an APA?
You can find American pale ales at any craft brewery or bottle shop.
Many grocery stores and online shops also carry them. You can even make your own APA with the right ingredients and equipment. However, it’s best to leave the brewing process to experienced professionals.
It’s not uncommon for amateurs to make a large number of mistakes when attempting to handle brewing on their own. Not only could the results fall far short of your expectations, but you might even damage your equipment.
5. What Are the Popular Types of APAs?
APAs come in a variety of different styles, including session APAs, fruited APAs, dry-hopped APAs, and beer cocktails.
Session APAs are hopped lightly but still pack a punch. Fruited APAs have a unique flavor thanks to the addition of fruit like raspberry or mango. Dry-hopped APAs are characterized by the intense hop aroma and flavor.
With such a large variety to choose from, you are sure to find something that satisfies your tastes.
6. How Does an APA Compare to a Lager?
American pale ales are higher in hop bitterness than lagers and have a more complex flavor profile. On the other hand, lagers tend to be lighter and crisper with subtle malt flavors.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. However, some people may prefer a lager compared to an APA simply because lagers are less bitter. Although the bitterness isn’t always bad, it can make the drink unpleasant for some people.
7. How Does an APA Compare to a Pilsner?
Pilsners tend to be lighter and crisper with a more delicate malt flavor, while American pale ales are richer and more hop-forward. Both styles offer something different for beer drinkers. It’s worth trying both to see which one you prefer.
In general, though, those who enjoy an APA will like a pilsner. However, people who enjoy drinking pilsners won’t always like the taste of an APA. So, keep this in mind if you have never tried an APA before. Otherwise, you may end up buying a pack of them, but won’t end up drinking them all.
APA Beer Is Some of the Best Around
When looking for a refreshing way to relax, choosing an APA beer is one of the best ways to do so. If you’ve never tried one before, pick one up the next time you visit a brewery, you’ll be glad you did.
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