Pale Ale

In 1790, George Hodgson made a name for himself in Burton-upon-Trent made a name for himself. His "October Beer" was strong, long matured, quite pale and very popular.

As an export hit, it reached it was exported as far as the Indian colonies. The origin of India Pale Ale is attributed to him. Ale" is attributed to him. But that is another story.

Bitter, the light version, became the most popular beer style in England during the wars, when raw were scarce, became the most popular beer style. Later, lager also left all other styles other styles in terms of popularity.

A new high Pale Ale and its strong brother IPA experienced a new high with the onset of the with the onset of the craft beer revolution. Young, "wild" U.S. brewers liked to draw inspiration inspiration from leading beer countries in Europe. Pale Ale and IPA became - "modern hopped" - iconic styles of the movement.

Since 2016, the European Beer Star has been distinguishing between the "new-style" and the "Traditional-Style" variants. In the meantime, the diction "English-style" and "American-style." One wants to do justice to the fact that flavor hops have been cultivated in many countries for some time. have been cultivated.

Traditional-Style Ales are brewed with classic hop varieties from the Czech Republic, Germany, or England. England. Fuggles, Saazer and Tradition give the beers resinous and floral notes. floral notes.

New-style ales release fruity, citrusy or exotic bouquets. Evoked by "flavor hops" from America, e.g., Cascade, Citra; from overseas, for example Nelson Sauvin. Or from Germany, for example Mandarina Bavaria, Hallertau Blanc. Cold hopping is permitted for both styles.

Photo: Thorsten Jauch, brewmaster at Hirsch-Brauerei Honer checks "pale" at the EBS 2020 expert tasting.
^© Volker Martin