Is there a difference between India Pale Ale and Pale Ale?

Answer 1

India Pale Ale (IPA, a variation of which is known as Imperial Pale Ale), is a distinct style of beer and is characterized as a sparkling pale ale with a high level of alcohol (modern day versions are usually 5.5% to 6.3% by volume, though the original versions were considerably higher) and hops, thus having an increased bitterness (in modern times typically 35-48 on the IBU scale, though originally probably more than 60 IBU). The creation of India Pale Ale (IPA) during the early 1700's was the result of tremendous efforts by British brewers to overcome a difficult problem: during the 1700's beer did not keep well on long ocean voyages, especially into hot climates. These hot environments resulted in the arrival of flat, sour beer.

Pale ale is a term used to describe a variety of beers which use ale yeast and predominantly pale malts. It is widely considered to be one of the major beer style groups. All of the major ale producing countries have a version of Pale Ale: Britain has Bitter, America has American Pale Ale, France has Bière de Garde, Germany has Altbier, etc. Pale ales generally over 6% abv tend to be grouped as Strong Pale Ales under such names as Barley Wine, Scotch Ale, Saison and Tripel

Answer 2

India pale ale is a little more bitter than regular pale ale.

Answer 3

Yes there IS a difference. Pale ales have higher alcohol, medium malts and medium hops, but with IPAs there is more, or a LOT more hops. The IPA will have more 'bitterness' and hop flavor, a very good thing. I just have happened to have compared Acme IPA & Pale Ale just last night. (What a cooincedince!) Everything tasted the way it should have . . . delicious!

Answer 4

Pale ales have higher alcohol

Answer 5

no