hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Ninkasi Pale Ale

Tap to rate

One of Ninkasi's most beloved core beers. Light amber with a thick off-white head, releasing waves of yeasty brown sugar, malt, and fruit. On the palate: fruity malts, citrus and spice alongside yeast and caramel, finishing crisp and lightly bitter. The beer that introduced a generation of Lyonnais to craft ale.

ABV
5.6%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
pale gold4
PaceA Few
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
maltyfruitycaramel
malty
fruity
caramel
citrusy
yeasty
honey
Aroma
The nose opens with waves of yeasty notes and brown sugar sweetness, layered with bright fruit esters and subtle spice.
also:hoppy,spicy
not found:juicy,roasted,clean,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Ninkasi Pale Ale

◎ Appearance

Light amber hue with excellent clarity and a thick off-white head that clings to the glass with persistence. Fine carbonation creates a gently effervescent appearance. The dense foam structure demonstrates strong head retention and lacing.

light amberthick white headclearfine carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with waves of yeasty notes and brown sugar sweetness, layered with bright fruit esters and subtle spice. Soft malt character underpins the aromatic profile, with gentle citrus and honey notes emerging on closer inspection. The overall impression is inviting and approachable without aggressive hop presence.

yeastybrown sugarbright fruitcitrus whispers

◐ Taste

The palate reveals a harmonious balance of fruity malts and caramel sweetness with moderate citrus and spice notes complementing the underlying yeast character. Mid-palate is full and rounded, with the malt foundation supporting the hop-driven citrus. The finish transitions to a crisp, lightly bitter conclusion that cleanses without harshness.

fruity maltscaramelcitrus spicelightly bitter finish

◑ Finish

Crisp and refreshing aftertaste with lingering light bitterness and residual caramel sweetness. The finish is clean and dry, inviting another sip.

crisplightly bitterclean
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
79
Taste
78
Appearance
80
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 Ninkasi Pale Ale

More from Ninkasi

Ninkasi Ambrée
Ninkasi Ambrée
American Amber Ale
5.6%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Ninkasi Blanche

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 malty, fruity, crisp character as Ninkasi Pale Ale will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

FEATURED IN

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