What’s An Extra Pale Ale?

An interesting trend has been happening, where I find myself seeking out not the wealth of IPA’s on offer, but the little, or older, brother pale ale. Although originally an English creation, known as bitter in all of its different forms, the pale ale is something quite different when brewed with American malts and hops. Nearly every microbrewery offers a pale ale, and the range of differences across breweries is quite striking.
Co-opted from the English pale ale style, the American version tends to be more hoppy, more crisp, sharper and lighter-bodied, compared to the stronger malt levels and thicker character of the import variety. American pale ales often employ a citrus hop flavor which dominates the malt presence, although the earthy nature of the malt taste should still be in the mix. The beers tend to be extremely clear and bright, colors range from slightly dark golden to reddish-amber.
Not reaching the levels of American India Pale Ales, there should still be a semi-strong bitter aspect to these brews, which typically remains in the aftertaste. Hops will dominate the taste, flavors and mouthfeel, but should not be overwhelming, which can be the case with American IPAs. Unlike English pale ales, American versions will have high carbonation levels, which make them great for hot summer days, as well as good companions for grill fare and spicier foods alike.
Introduced in 1997, Sweetwater 420 quickly became the brewery’s best seller. I’ve had a strange relationship with Sweetwater Brewing Company. I’m not a huge fan of their standard line of bottled beers, preferring their one-offs and seasonal selections. And the beer from Sweetwater that is most widely available is 420. Dated silly references aside, when this beer hit the scene, I recall really liking it due to it’s crisp, easy-going nature. Yet, years later, as both pale ales and IPA’s were getting bigger and bigger, 420 seemed to underperform.
However, I recently nabbed a 420, and I have to say, it was quite enjoyable. The beer is hop forward yet balanced, modern yet similar enough to the classic Sierra Nevada Pale Ale that it’s almost old school. The brewery calls 420 an extra pale ale. Although there is no recognized ‘extra pale ale’ category, 420 is a tad gentler and less aggressive than many APAs. Very drinkable and non-offending, this would be a solid introduction to the APA style.
420 is a light orange gold color with tons of carbonation streaming from the bottom of the glass up to a medium sized off white head. Aroma is citrus, somewhere between the bite of grapefruit and the sweetness of orange, with a dose of doughy bread smell; certainly not overpowering.
The flavor is more complex, but not much, and follows the smell, with west coast bitter hops leading for much of the glass. Malt is present and slightly grainy and spicy, but never overtakes the hops. Medium to thin bodied, this one goes down easy and mellow.
For a crisp summer beer that you can drink all day, yet one that offers tons more flavor and enjoyment than any American macro lager, you could do way worse than Sweetwater 420. I like this brew, and you can find the fish tap all over. Enjoy the brews … Cheers.
Gene’s Haufbrau has at more than 200 beers in bottles or on tap. While they don’t have every beer the Beer Snob writes about, they probably have most. Gene’s is located at 817 Savannah Hwy. 225-GENE. E-mail the Beer Snob at publisher@westof.net.