Two glasses of foamy beer

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

NEWS

By CHLOE O’DONNELL

Glass of light beer
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.
A flight of three beer glasses
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.
Beer being poured into a glass from a tap
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.
Glass of foamy beer beside a plate of chicken wings
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.
Light IPA beer in a glass
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%.