American Pale Ale: Septic or Antiseptic Hops?

[Thuck Phat]

An increasing number of brewers appear to be trying their hands at American Pale Ale.

But what is an American Pale Ale? I'm not at all sure but would certainly be interested to know what people think, so all thoughts on what defines the style welcome here.

Which ones are any good? All thoughts on APAs tried, likeable or not, listed here.

I've tried a couple recently, one obvious and already popular, the other less so, so here goes:

Darkstar - American Pale Ale 4.7%: Needs little introduction, I thoroughly enjoy this one and so do many who try it.
Big Hand - Zeta 3.6%: A test brew from this Wrexham brewery which I found to be long on malt and short on hops and fun.

The Drinkable

Darkstar - American Pale Ale 4.7% (TP)

The Less Drinkable

Big Hand Zeta 3.6% (TP)

[Aqualung]

Surely there is little difference between IPA and APA? The Americans took the original genuine concept of an IPA and applied their own hops to it. I don't know this for sure, but I wouldn't mind betting that the Black IPA originated across the pond.

[Bucking Fastard]

Well these two lads didn't rate this APA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzbSn1KJCEY


I have much the same reaction to a lot of GK output,one for the "less drinkable" category ?

[Brewguru]

Surely there is little difference between IPA and APA? The Americans took the original genuine concept of an IPA and applied their own hops to it. I don't know this for sure, but I wouldn't mind betting that the Black IPA originated across the pond.

Think you just defined the APA. Strictly speaking an IPA, originating in this country, should only contain British hops or hops that were available to brewers in the 19th Century when the style was first brewed. I would hazard a guess that most of the new IPAs floating about currently are in effect APA or at least a bastard APA/IPA hybrid.

[Aqualung]

I would hazard a guess that most of the new IPAs floating about currently are in effect APA or at least a bastard APA/IPA hybrid.

I'm fairly sure you're right, I know NZ hops seem to be popular so a better label might be "New World IPA".

[Mobyduck]

Darkstar American Pale Ale is now a beer that I can luckily call a regular beer and is well up with my all time favourites.
The term"American Pale Ale " I fear Is now open to much abuse in the same way as "Craft Beer", both are a popular tag words and sales opportunity's . However one I tried that I would say is good,i.e I would buy it again, is Butcombe Great Grey Owl, only 3.6% and as such no competition to Darkstar's excellent beer, but very moreish all the same. Good.

[Bucking Fastard]

Looking at the 2014 GBG there seem to be 12 breweries producing an American Pale Ale or calling it APA

Blackedge
Bridestones
Dark Star
Hackney
Long Man
Portobello
Sonnet
Houston
Allendale
Hop Fuzz
TapEast
Windswept.

I am sure there must be other who dont use the American Pale Ale description in their beer name,Moby has already mentioned Butcombe Great Grey Owl.So it does appear to be a legitimate beer style ,increasing in popularity although I have not had many myself.Interested in hearing about any winners.

I suppose an APA should really be using EXCLUSIVELY American hops ,but I look forward to being educated.

[london calling]

An increasing number of brewers appear to be trying their hands at American Pale Ale.

But what is an American Pale Ale? I'm not at all sure but would certainly be interested to know what people think, so all thoughts on what defines the style welcome here.

Which ones are any good? All thoughts on APAs tried, likeable or not, listed here.

I've tried a couple recently, one obvious and already popular, the other less so, so here goes:

Darkstar - American Pale Ale 4.7%: Needs little introduction, I thoroughly enjoy this one and so do many who try it.
Big Hand - Zeta 3.6%: A test brew from this Wrexham brewery which I found to be long on malt and short on hops and fun.

The Drinkable

Darkstar - American Pale Ale 4.7% (TP)

The Less Drinkable

Big Hand Zeta 3.6% (TP)

There are hundreds of Apa,s brewed in Britain but most don't call them the obvious name
I have had lots inc Darkstar-Clarence and Fredricks-Bridestones-Castle Rock and Red Squirrel all called American pale ale
these are less obvious
ST AUSTELL- PROPER JOB
SADLERS-HOP MONSTER
BRODIES -CITRA
DARKSTAR-GOLDEN GATE
ASCOT -POSH POOCH
MAGIC ROCK -HIGHWIRE

If it is pale and only has American hops its classed as APA.

[Aqualung]

There are hundreds of Apa,s brewed in Britain but most don't call them the obvious name
I have had lots inc Darkstar-Clarence and Fredricks-Bridestones-Castle Rock and Red Squirrel all called American pale ale
these are less obvious
ST AUSTELL- PROPER JOB
SADLERS-HOP MONSTER
BRODIES -CITRA
DARKSTAR-GOLDEN GATE
ASCOT -POSH POOCH
MAGIC ROCK -HIGHWIRE

If it is pale and only has American hops its classed as APA.

I was going to bring into the discussion that numerous Brodie's (and loads of other brewers) beers could be called IPA or APA, but are just called "pale" ales as I thought it would confuse the issue, but you are absolutely right! The trouble with the Pale Ale brand is that it could apply to just about anything that is lighter than (pale) orange.

[Bucking Fastard]

There are hundreds of Apa,s brewed in Britain but most don't call them the obvious name
I have had lots inc Darkstar-Clarence and Fredricks-Bridestones-Castle Rock and Red Squirrel all called American pale ale
these are less obvious
ST AUSTELL- PROPER JOB
SADLERS-HOP MONSTER
BRODIES -CITRA

DARKSTAR-GOLDEN GATE
ASCOT -POSH POOCH
MAGIC ROCK -HIGHWIRE

If it is pale and only has American hops its classed as APA.

That's interesting,I didn't realise that list of ales were brewed exclusively with American hops.

I agree that if it is pale and only has American hops it should be classed as an APA. By contrast most true IPA's seem to me to have a somewhat darker hue,so that could be another differentiator.