When it comes to pale ales, everyone has his/her own idea on what makes for the perfect combination of water, malt, hops, and yeast. Some prefer classic approaches, but an increasing number like new-school hops and haze. We asked five brewers and industry pros from around the country to share recommended favorites.
Fuller’s London Pride
Kevin Sondey, Director of Brewing Operations at Catawba Brewing Co. in Morgantown, North Carolina
“My favorite pale ale remains Fuller’s London Pride. It’s hardly what one considers a pale ale by American craft-beer standards, but it’s a great example of an OG pale ale: balanced, clean, and drinkable, by a classic brewery in England. A pint of tradition.”
Boneyard Bone-a-Fide
Daniel C. Sharp, PhD, Director of Brewing Operations for Ninkasi Brewing Company in Eugene, Oregon
“The crew at Boneyard is always doing great stuff. Their Bone-a-Fide pale ale is solid and gives the classic Old School pale-ale style a New School taste. It hints at the New England–style IPA category but with some finesse and toned down to pale-ale specs. They nailed it.”
Half Acre Daisy Cutter
Grant Pauly, Founder and Brewmaster of 3 Sheeps Brewing Company in Sheboygan, Wisconsin
“For the longest time, I think pale ales were perceived to be lesser IPAs. The first time that I was really blown away with a pale ale was with Half Acre’s Daisy Cutter. They packed so much flavor into a really drinkable style. It’s tough for me to make a trip to Chicago without making sure to pick up some cans.”
Founders Mosaic Promise
Jimmy Valm, Director of Brewing Operations of Cape May Brewing Co. in Cape May, New Jersey
“Mosaic hops are one of my favorite varieties, mainly because of how complex and versatile they are, and this beer really showcases Mosaic in all its glory. The balance between the hop flavors and the malt is paramount for me in any pale ale (I’m a bit Old School like that), and this beer really nails that. The tropical fruits and the slight pine from the Mosaic hops are right up front, but without overpowering the slight graininess of the Golden Promise malt. This makes it eminently sessionable.”
Burial Blade & Sheath
Paul Benner, Co-Owner of Platform Beer Company in Cleveland, Ohio
“We have known the guys at Burial Beer Co., in Asheville, North Carolina, for some time and have collaborated with them on numerous occasions. They have a unique house yeast that gives an interesting peppery complex character to their beers. Blade & Sheath is their American farmhouse pale, and it’s one of my favorite beers to enjoy on a warm afternoon, not that we get a lot of those here in Cleveland. Crisp, sweet, aromatic, and slightly funky—beautiful.”