What's the Difference Between an IPA and a Pale Ale?

As you dive into the world of craft beer, you'll come to learn that there are many different kinds of beer out there. Overall, it's relatively easy to understand the difference between most of them. The difference in beer types is often very noticeable, with varying processes and ingredients. 

Two of the most popular beers today are so similar that it can be more difficult to understand the difference between them. These beers are known as the IPA and pale ale. An IPA falls under the blanket of a pale ale, and both go through similar processes to be made. 

What's a Pale Ale?

The pale ale originated in England around the early 1700s. They came about as an alternative to the standard dark beers. English brewers eventually became more skilled in controlling the malt intensity, crafting a lighter beer with a more mild palate. During the early 1980s, the pale ale stirred life into the American Craft Beer world with companies like Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. leading the charge. 

A pale ale is a style of beer known for its malty flavor, medium body and light golden or amber color. These brews are not as strong as others, providing a tasty option for those looking for a more delicate hop experience. Most of these delicious beers range from alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4-6%. 

Nowadays, there are many different types of pale ales available, including the American Pale Ale, British Pale Ale, American Amber Ale and Blonde Pale Ale.

What's an IPA?

IPA stands for India Pale Ale. It originates from the time of the British colonies and was created to last the journey from England to India. To accomplish this, brewers added more hops and malt to ensure the beer would withstand the journey. Once it reached India, this new type of beer became a huge success. 

IPAs are a wildly popular style of pale ale that is brewed to focus on hop flavors and aromas, resulting in a stronger, more bitter taste with fruity aromas. Typical fruits you can find being used in these drinks include lemons, oranges and grapefruits. Most of these beers range from 6-7% ABV. However, you can also find Session IPAs at around 4-5% and Double IPAs that can reach 12-14%.

Due to their extreme popularity, there is a wide variety of IPA styles you can explore. These range from more traditional English, American and Belgian IPAs to funkier styles like Lactose and Sour IPAs. 

IPA vs. Pale Ale

While IPAs and pale ales are extremely similar in their appearance and fermentation processes, several distinctions separate them. Pale ales were designed to have a more rounded malt flavor to provide a lighter and more approachable hop taste. With this comes a lower ABV percentage, making for a lighter drinking experience. 

Pale ales also typically have more bread notes compared to the fruity flavors and aromas of an IPA. When drinking IPAs, you will usually experience hoppier taste profiles with a higher ABV percentage. 

Just like any drink or food, there is a level of subjectivity that comes into play. The main differences between these two beers lie within the bitterness and alcohol content of each drink. The taste and opinions on each will differ from beer to beer. 

What Should You Pair With IPAs and Pale Ales?

Who doesn't love adding a tasty treat to pair with an IPA or pale ale? It's important to remember that when looking for that perfect combination, you should be specific to the type of pale ale or IPA you are drinking. The food and beer should have similar flavor intensities, so you are sure not to overpower one or the other.

Let's take a look at how you can create an out-of-this-world mix. 

IPA Pairings

When it comes to choosing the perfect pairing for IPAs, you'll have two avenues to use to match with foods — intense bitterness and hop flavor. 

Spicy foods are an excellent option to pair with any IPA. The hop flavor and spice combine well while the beer's bitterness cools your mouth down after every sip. Foods such as spicy wings, Thai and Indian food and hot chicken are perfect for any snack combined with an ice-cold IPA. You can even try tacos with lemon squeezed on top to bring out the citrus aromas of your favorite IPA. 

Many of the foods you find at craft breweries will often consist of fattier and saltier dishes. These are perfect comfort foods, and they are ideal additions to any IPA. Foods like burgers, smoked meats and french fries are excellent options for any of your IPA food cravings. 

Pale Ale Pairings

Like IPAs, pale ales have bitter and hoppy flavors that you can capitalize on with your food pairing choices. Although, you'll also have a more balanced palate for malt flavors than an IPA would. This makes smoky cheeses and meats excellent pairings as they combine perfectly with the bready and nutty malt flavors you may find. 

Additionally, the malt flavor will combine flawlessly with the pizza's toasty crust, elevate the mozzarella and even work to balance the acid from the tomato sauce. Spicy foods remain a top choice for eating alongside a pale ale, especially Mexican food. There's something about the sauces found in tacos, burritos and enchiladas that will pull out the subtle hints of fruit from the hops. The strong hops compliment spices such as cumin, jalapeno and cilantro. 

If you aren't the biggest fan of Mexican food, consider curries or hot chicken for a spicy substitute. 

Try Great Craft Beer at Thompson Island

At Thompson Island, we want more than to give you a tasty meal and quality craft beer — we want to provide you with an experience you'll remember. Our highly trained and educated team works hard to craft delicious meals paired with craft beer that will take your dining experience to the next level. 

Located in Coastal Delaware, we are the area's top destination for drinking craft beer, eating delicious pub food and making memories you'll want to hold on to forever. Stop by and get the fun started. For more information about Thompson Island Brewing, contact us online or call 302-309-9887 today!