Did you know that nearly 40% of Americans who drink alcohol say that beer is their go-to beverage? Of all the beers available, the pale ale is one of the most popular.
However, not many people understand the difference between an American pale ale and an IPA. Luckily, it’s not quite as complicated as you might think.
We’ve put together a brief guide with everything you need to know about American pale ale vs IPA. Let’s get started.
What Does IPA Stand for in Beer?
IPA stands for India Pale Ale. This type of beer was created in the 1800s for British soldiers stationed in India.
At the time, the water in India was not safe to drink, so beer was often shipped from England. The problem was that the beer would go bad during the long journey. To prevent this, brewers added extra hops to the beer, which act as a preservative.
This resulted in a beer that was much more bitter than what the British were used to.
What Is an American Pale Ale?
An American pale ale is simply a pale ale that is brewed in the United States.
While IPAs are typically quite bitter, American pale ales are usually a bit more balanced. They still have a noticeable hop flavor, but it is not as overwhelming as an IPA.
So, they are a great option for those who have never had a pale ale before. This doesn’t mean that those unfamiliar with a pale ale can’t enjoy an IPA.
So, What’s the Difference Between an American Pale Ale and an IPA?
Now that you know a little bit about the history of these two types of beer, let’s take a closer look at the difference between an American pale ale and an IPA.
The biggest difference between these two beers is the level of bitterness. An IPA is going to be much more bitter than a pale ale. This is because IPAs have more hops, which add to the bitterness.
If you’re not a fan of bitter beer, then an American pale ale might be a better choice for you. \
Another difference between an American pale ale and an IPA is the alcohol content.
IPAs tend to be a bit higher in alcohol content than pale ales. This is because of the extra hops hops.
What Is a Session IPA vs an IPA?
A session IPA is a type of beer that has all the flavor of a traditional IPA but with lower alcohol content. This makes it a great choice if you’re looking for an IPA that you can drink more of without getting too drunk.
Be sure that you keep this in mind when moving forward.
What Is a Hazy IPA?
A hazy IPA, also known as Juicy, New England, or East Coast IPA, is a type of beer that is intentionally left unfiltered and brewed with much lower bitterness than traditional IPAs.
This gives the beer a cloudy appearance and a unique flavor. In fact, many people prefer hazy IPAs
over the conventional form.
What Is a Double IPA vs IPA?
A double IPA is simply an IPA that has twice the number of hops. This results in a beer that is even more bitter than a regular IPA.
If you’re looking for an IPA with a serious kick, then a double IPA might be the right choice for you. Just be sure to drink responsibly.
What Is a Double Dry Hopped vs a Double IPA?
A double dry hopped beer is an IPA that has been dry hopped twice. This means that hops have been added not only during the brewing process, but also after fermentation. This results in a beer with an intense hop flavor.As a result, it’s not for everyone. Some people may feel as though the taste is overwhelming.
Do All Breweries Make the Same Quality IPAs?
Not all breweries make the same quality IPAs. In fact, some breweries are better at making IPAs than others.
So, it’s in your best interest to research the reputation of the brewery before trying out an IPA there. This will help ensure that you have the best possible experience and avoid low-quality drinks.
Are People Brewing New Versions of IPAs?
Yes, people are always coming up with new versions of IPAs. For example, some breweries are now making different types of hazy IPAs and double dry hopped IPAs. So, if you’re looking for something new and exciting, then be sure to check out these iterations.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
At the end of the day, the choice between an American pale ale and an IPA is a matter of personal preference.
If you like a more balanced beer, then an American pale ale might be a better choice for you. However, if you’re looking for a beer with a more intense flavor, then an IPA might be the way to go. Keep in mind that you also have the opportunity to choose double IPAs if you’re looking for something a bit stronger than normal.
Deciding Between American Pale Ale vs IPA Is Easier Than It Seems
Still not sure which one to choose? Why not try both and see for yourself? After all, there’s no better way to learn about the difference between an American pale ale vs IPA than by trying them both. Give us a call at (402) 344-0200 if you have questions about our craft beer offerings or make a reservation online today!