Have you ever been confused between Pale Ale and IPA and blurted, “What the heck is the difference between the two?” 

You’ll be glad to know you’re not alone since many enthusiasts new to craft have expressed this mini dilemma. And, as purveyors of craft beers, we’re glad that you’ve all asked. It gave us a chance to share some knowledge about the similarities and differences between these two styles and lay any confusion to rest, so everyone can carry on and taste some great beers. 

As far as the two most popular craft beer styles go, Pale Ale and IPA are historically related. One can trace back the roots of IPAs and Pale Ales to British brewers, but it was the original IPA that took on a distinctive character of more hops when it was exported for British soldiers travelling to India.  

In our modern times, however, they are considered as two different and distinct styles of craft beers that have their own complexities and unique substyles. 

What’s one straightforward way to tell them apart? Look for the ABV or Alcohol by Volume on the beer description or bottle label as your guide. A Pale Ale has an alcohol content of about 4.5% to 6.2%, while an IPA has a slightly elevated at 5% to 7.5% and even more for its Double IPA style. While they're overlapping, it boils down to how the brewer or brewery classifies its beers. 

For Engkanto craft beers, the two variants that belong in the Pale Ale category are High Hive Honey Ale (5.1% ABV) and Hop Coolture Pale Ale (5.4% ABV). Meanwhile, in the IPA category, Mango Nation Hazy IPA (5.7% ABV) is where the threshold is crossed, followed by True Brew West Coast IPA (6.5% ABV), and the boldest of all is Green Lava Double IPA (8.0%) 

A quick tip: you can associate an IPA with its more “intense” alcohol level in comparison to a Pale Ale (rename the “i” in your mind to help you remember).  

The second way you can tell a Pale Ale and IPA apart is by tasting them and noticing the difference. Both aromatic and pleasant on the nose, the IPA tends to have more of the hoppy bitterness and warming aftertaste since more hops are added, but just be mindful that the wide range of IPAs includes the Session IPA, which has lesser hops. On the other hand, a Pale Ale has more biscuity and bready notes from the malt to balance its bitterness. 

As brewers continue to come up with different substyles for Pale Ale and IPA, it really pays to remember these details when you’re ordering a craft beer. If you’re not a fan of the bold and bitter character of most IPAs, choosing a Pale Ale that brings it down a notch could lead to the craft beer that’s right for you.  

Treat yourself and your friends to new craft discoveries by enjoying our Ale or IPA bundles that come with Engkanto Craftmaster glasses, now available in the Engkanto webstore.