IPA Vs Pale Ale: What's The Difference Between The Brews?

IPA and pale ale beers fall under the umbrella of pale ales, use similar ingredients, and share historical roots. However, they are very different in terms of taste and intensity.

The big difference between an IPA and a pale ale is the heavier addition of hops throughout the brewing process, which amps up the bitterness and aroma.

This higher hop content in IPAs gives them a more pungent flavor, while pale ales tend to have a more balanced profile between the malt and hops.

Pale ales have notes of spice, caramel, citrus, or sometimes even flowers, while IPAs have a much more pronounced hop bitterness, with earthy flavors like pine or fruit.

The alcohol content also tends to differ between the two styles. Pale ales generally have an ABV in the range of 4% to 6%, while IPAs typically range from 6% to 8%.