Pale ale is a type of beer brewed with plenty of pale malts, hops, and ale yeast. These beers were initially popular in Europe, and American brewers are now fond of making them, too. If you're someone who likes strong beer, you may initially assume a pale ale might be too weak-bodied for your taste. But actually, there are several sub-types of pale ales that are quite strong. Take a look at them below.

India Pale Ale

Often affectionately known as IPA by those who drink it, this style of pale ale originated with English sailors who wanted to create a beer that would stay fresh for the voyage to India. They added lots of extra hops to their beer to act as a preservative, and the IPA was born. This style is known for its very hop-forward flavor. It's generally gold in color, sometimes with hints of red. You can pair IPAs with the strongest of foods, and their potency won't be masked.

Scotch Ale

Scotch ales are a style of pale ale that are known for their bold, smoky taste. This flavor comes from the fact that the malt used to brew the beer is generally smoked before being added to the recipe. Some say the flavor reminds them of that of Scotch whiskey, while others say it's reminiscent of a barbecue. Either way, this is a rather strong style of beer with a touch of sweet, toffee undertones to balance it out. Scotch ales also tend to be rather high in alcohol, so keep this in mind while drinking.

English Bitters

If you enjoy a beer with a more bitter, back-of-the-mouth flavor, then look for an English bitter. This style of pale ale is served at pubs across England. It's brewed with hops and tastes similar to an IPA, but tends to be a little lighter and lower in alcohol. In the glass, these beers tend to be medium-brown in color with a thin, pale head. English bitters are said to pair very well with food — particularly with fish and chicken. They are best when served slightly chilled, but not ice cold.

While the term "pale ale" may make them sound mild, many sub-types of pale ales are actually quite strongly flavored. If you prefer a stronger beer with lots of flavors, then an IPA, Scotch ale, or English bitter may be the beer style for you. 

For more information on pale ale beer, contact a company near you.