hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Cardinal Pale Ale

Nebraska Brewing Company
Tap to rate
🌍 United States · American Pale Ale · One of 233 American Pale Ales in hopIQ

The beer that started it all for Nebraska Brewing, and still its best-selling flagship. A golden, crystal-clear American pale ale heavily dry-hopped with Cascade for big orange-citrus and floral aromatics over a caramel malt backbone. Named National Grand Champion Pale Ale at the 2014 U.S. Beer Tasting Championship.

ABV
6%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden8
See all American Pale Ale alternatives →
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Style expression
textbookdistinctive
Where this beer sits· Four axes, the same for every beer in hopIQ.
Body
Lean body.
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
Dry finish.
drysweet
Bitterness
Moderate bitterness.
mildbitter
Texture
Crisp mouthfeel.
crispcreamy

Even from Body through Texture, the taste structure is evenly distributed.

Harmony over emphasis — the beer is built for each note to sit at the same volume.

Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another American Pale Ale.
Hop character
citrusy
hoppy
floral
orange
Malt character
caramel
malty
Fermentation & yeast
clean
fruity

FEATURED IN

Featured inThe Best American Pale Ales

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Cardinal Pale Ale

Appearance

A bright golden hue with excellent clarity and transparency. The head forms quickly and clings to the glass with fine, persistent lacing. Carbonation is moderate and well-integrated, creating a lively yet composed presentation.

bright goldencrystal clearstable headfine lacing

Aroma

The nose is dominated by citrus and floral Cascade hop character, with pronounced orange zest and herbal florality. A supporting malt foundation of caramel and light sweetness emerges beneath the hop intensity, without competing. Clean and inviting, with no off-notes.

orange citrusCascade floralscaramel sweetnessclean, inviting

Taste

The palate opens with balanced malt sweetness and hop bitterness in equal measure. Mid-palate reveals layered orange and floral notes from the dry-hopping, supported by a gentle caramel malt body. Bitterness builds steadily toward the finish, remaining composed and not harsh.

balanced malt-hopdry-hopped citrusmoderate bitternessclean palate

Finish

The finish is crisp and refreshing, with lingering citrus and a subtle herbal dryness. The aftertaste remains clean, fading gracefully without astringency.

crisp, drycitrus lingeringrefreshing fade
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
85
Taste
82
Appearance
85
Finish
78
+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Cardinal Pale Ale

Serve at 7–10°C
Refrigerate, then rest 2 min

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

Pint glass
Recommended for this style

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

Store in a cool, dark place. Check the best-before date on the label for guidance.

Food Pairing

What to eat with Cardinal Pale Ale

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 hoppy, citrusy, floral character as Cardinal Pale Ale will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other American Pale Ales in hopIQ

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