Pale Ale — the style where it all began
If IPA is the rock star of the craft world, then pale ale is the song that launched its career. Lighter, more balanced, and more approachable than its stronger cousin, pale ale is the style most craft enthusiasts try first — and return to again and again. Not because it's simple, but because it's perfectly balanced.
American Pale Ale — the classic that defined the genre
American Pale Ale is the style that put the American craft revolution on the map. Moderate alcohol strength (usually 4.5-6%), a clean malt backbone, and generous, but not aggressive, hopping with American hop varieties — citrus, tropical fruits, pine. The result is a beer that is interesting enough to hold your attention and sessionable enough to make you want a second. Many people discovered craft beer through a glass of APA — and not by accident.
Hazy and New England Pale Ale — the soft approach
The same logic that transformed IPA into NEIPA also applies to pale ale. Hazy pale ale and New England pale ale are softer, juicier, and cloudier than the classic version — with an oat texture, suppressed bitter finish, and tropical fruit aroma. With the lower alcohol of a pale ale, this approach works exceptionally well — you get a beer that is both aromatic and endlessly refreshing.
English Pale Ale — where the name comes from
Before American Pale Ale existed, there was English Pale Ale — maltier, more restrained, with English hop varieties that bring earthy, grassy, and floral aromas instead of tropical explosions. English pale ale is a beer for those who appreciate balance and tradition — quieter, but no less interesting.
The perfect entry point
Pale ale is the style we recommend to anyone looking to get acquainted with craft beer. Different enough from mass-produced lager to feel the difference, but without the extreme bitterness of an IPA or the intensity of a stout. At the same time, it's also the perfect everyday beer for experienced connoisseurs — light, hoppy, and unpretentious about being anything more than it is.
Why pale ale from 100 Beers?
In our collection, you will find pale ales from Bulgarian and foreign breweries, in various sub-styles — from classic American pale ale through hazy variants to more unconventional interpretations. This style is among those that are most frequently updated, because with pale ale, as with IPA, freshness is key. If you are looking for a balanced, sessionable, and hoppy everyday beer — start here.
Browse our other style collections: IPA • New England IPA • Lager • Low Alcohol • Wheat Ale
