How Pale Ales and IPAs Differ

Malts, lagers, stouts... the varieties of beer seem endless and sometimes the differences are obvious. However, when the beers are Pale Ale and India Pale Ale, you have to dig a little deeper.

Pale Ale
Pale Ale is a term that's been around a very long time. It first showed up in the 1700's and the name was given to beers with a lighter color that was the result of malts dried with Coke. also known as American Pale Ale. Pale malts give it a lighter color. These days they usually have a fairly equal balance of malt-to-hop, making the hops a little less noticeable.

India Pale Ales
They were first made for the long trips from England to India. They had extra hops to help keep the beer fresh for the long trip. They were usually spicy, woodsy, and even earthy tasting. Today's American India Pale Ales (IPAs) normally are, shall we say, very hopped up. The balance of malt-to-hop tips to the hop side. Expect a citrus-like flavor and some bitterness.

The Ales will be just a few of the HUGE number of choices at Corridor on Tap Saturday, November 21 at the Doubletree by Hilton Convention Complex in downtown Cedar Rapids.

[via thekitchn]