Pale Ale versus IPAs: What's the difference?
Those pesky hazy and yellow IPAs are always hogging the limelight, the golden child of the craft beer movement. The humble pale ale shuns the attention, sticking to what it knows best. Balance, flavour and drinkability, regardless of the occasion. We've always had a soft spot for some of the more "traditional" beer styles, it's no different with the classic pale ale, which is why we love Hella and our seasonal favourite, Summer Hazy Pale Ale.
Pale ale is different, so what sets it apart from those celebrated IPA styles that have become the poster child of modern craft brewing?
Historically the pale ale was a way to showcase lighter malts, something slightly left-field from the darker porters and stouts that had once dominated British ales and beers. The result is a lighter coloured beer, with a more refreshing finish and a real balance between a gentle malty sweetness and hoppy bitterness. Through the years this style evolved, with the arrival of American and new world hops that brought citrus, pine and tropical tones to the table. Despite this development and experimentation, the pale ale has remained true to its origins, rooted in real balance. A style that is brewed to be flavourful, but not over the top, refreshing and easy going, just perfect for a session beer.
IPAs can trace their history back to those early and more traditional pale ales, but the modern craft brewing approach pushes everything onwards to a different level. Beefed up hop content, ramped up bitterness and huge aromas with higher ABVs have become the calling-card of the modern IPA. These beers are brewed to make a big first impression, packed with really intense citrus or resinous pine, juicy tropical favours and hazy haze that demand the drinker's attention from first sip to last. The pale ale is a little more restrained and drinkable, still showcasing hops, but with a focus on that balance rather than the intensity. They are a great introduction to modern craft brewing.
The last few years have seen the lines blurred between hazy pales and modern juicy IPAs. Playing with water profiles, oats and wheat help to create beers with a fuller mouthfeel, low bitterness and clear hop character without that hard hitting tone that those big and bold modern IPAs possess. The craft pale ale has grown up, embracing those tropical fruit flavours and soft haze, making it the easy-going beer style of choice for craft beer aficionados.
That’s very much where Summer sits. Back by popular demand, our 4% hazy pale ale is brewed to capture exactly what we love most about the style. It pours with a soft haze and delivers bright tropical aromas alongside juicy fruit character, all balanced by a smooth, refreshing finish. There’s plenty of flavour, but nothing overpowering — just an easy-drinking pale ale designed for long afternoons, coastal evenings and relaxed sessions with friends.
This is where Summer Hazy Pale Ale sits. Back by popular demand, this 4% ABV hazy pale ale is built to capture the essence of what we love about this style. She's subtly hazy, featuring bright tropical aromas and a juicy fruit character alongside the smooth, balanced finish. Our go to summer session beer for sure. Easy drinking beer for long afternoons or evenings by the sea.
Whilst many modern craft beers are screaming for attention, sometimes the best choice is a more refined and less attention craving style. This is the one.
