Pale Ale or IPA: What’s the Difference?

Have a hard time deciding whether to order a Pale Ale or an India Pale Ale? An expert explains the difference between these two very different styles of beer.

Rodney Johnson is the "beer captain" at Grand Cru Beer & Cheese Marketplace in Rhinebeck, so he knows a thing or two about pale ales. Rod helps us understand the differences between the India version and the American style of Pale Ale.

For starters, an India Pale Ale traditionally contains more hops, making it more bitter and strong. This comes from a brewing tradition dating back to the days when ships would sail trading routes between the new world and India. Hops are natural preservatives, so generous amounts of the bitter plant were used in beers that were taken on board to help keep them fresh during the long journey at sea.

American Pale Ales, most commonly just called Pale Ales, have less hops and are usually lighter in body. Using Rushing Duck's Naysayer Pale Ale as an example, Rod says you should expect Pale Ales to have a better malt balance, a cleaner taste, and lower alcohol content than IPAs, making them a better choice when you're looking for a more sessionable (aka drinkable) beer.