hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

KPA Kinsale Pale Ale

Tap to rate

The Blacks flagship, brewed since 2013 as an American-style pale ale with Centennial, Cascade and Citra. The hops bring tropical fruit and juicy citrus, set against biscuit and caramel from the malt. Medium in body and briskly carbonated, it ends clean. Around Kinsale it is a regular sight on bar taps.

ABV
5%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden7
PaceA Few

AWARDS

Country Winner · 2019
World Beer Awards
American Style IPA
Silver · 2020
European Beer Challenge
★Country Winner — World Beer Awards (American Style IPA)
★Silver — European Beer Challenge
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
tropicalcleancitrusy
tropical
clean
citrusy
juicy
hoppy
caramel
Aroma
The hop profile leads with tropical fruit and juicy citrus notes from the Centennial, Cascade, and Citra varieties.
also:malty,bready
not found:piney,roasted,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for KPA Kinsale Pale Ale

◎ Appearance

Pale golden in color with good clarity and a bright, persistent white head that leaves fine lacing on the glass. The beer presents a lively sparkle from brisk carbonation, characteristic of a well-conditioned American pale ale.

pale goldenclearpersistent headbrisk carbonation

◌ Aroma

The hop profile leads with tropical fruit and juicy citrus notes from the Centennial, Cascade, and Citra varieties. Behind the bold hop character sits a subtle biscuit and caramel sweetness from the malt base, creating a balanced aromatic foundation without overpowering floral or resinous qualities.

tropical fruitcitrusbiscuit maltcaramel sweetness

◐ Taste

Medium body carries clean malt flavors of biscuit and light caramel on the entry, quickly followed by the signature juicy citrus and tropical fruit from the hop blend. Bitterness registers at a moderate level (38 IBU), providing structure without dominating the palate, and finishes clean with no harsh edges.

citrus-forwardtropical notesbiscuit backbonebalanced bitterness

◑ Finish

The finish is clean and brisk, with a dry malt character fading quickly into a subtle citrus lingering in the aftertaste. The beer leaves the palate refreshed and ready for the next sip.

clean finishdry maltcitrus lingering
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
80
Taste
79
Appearance
78
Finish
76
Serve at 7–10°C

Serve at 7–10°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with KPA Kinsale Pale Ale

More from Blacks Brewery

Ace of Haze
Ace of Haze
Session IPA
4.2% · 40 IBU
Find matches →
Ace of Haze Battle of the Tropics
Blacks Black IPA
Cult of the Coconut
Model T
Model T
Irish Dry Stout
5% · 40 IBU
Find matches →
Rocketship
Sovereign Island
Sovereign Island
Pale Lager
4.2% · 30 IBU
Find matches →
The Session
The Session
Session IPA
3.5% · 55 IBU
Find matches →

About American Pale Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a American Pale Ale?

Pale Ales balance malt sweetness with moderate hop character at 4.5–6% ABV and IBU 20–40. Approachable with floral, citrus or earthy notes over a biscuit malt base.

Finding a similar American Pale Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same tropical, clean, citrusy character as KPA Kinsale Pale Ale will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all American Pale Ale beers in hopIQ →Browse Ireland beers →