hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Pale Ale Citra

Tap to rate

The Kernel's flagship single-hop pale ale — labelled simply with the hop variety. "Upfront hops, lingering bitternesses." Citra hops give tropical citrus and stone fruit character. The beer that defined London's hop-forward pale ale movement. Single-batch, always fresh.

ABV
5.2%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden5
PaceA Few
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
What makes this beer itself
MaltHop
hoppycitrusypeach
hoppy
citrusy
peach
fruity
tropical
clean
Aroma
The nose leads with vibrant Citra hop character — prominent grapefruit zest and lime pith, underscored by stone fruit notes of apricot and peach.
also:malty
not found:juicy,caramel,sour,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Pale Ale Citra

◎ Appearance

Pale golden hue with excellent clarity and a bright, inviting shine. A generous white head forms readily and clings persistently to the glass, displaying fine Schaumhaftung. Carbonation appears lively and well-integrated, with a steady stream of fine bubbles rising through the body.

pale goldclearpersistent headbright

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with vibrant Citra hop character — prominent grapefruit zest and lime pith, underscored by stone fruit notes of apricot and peach. A subtle herbal undertone balances the citrus exuberance, while a delicate malty backbone provides restraint. The aroma is fresh and forward, characteristic of single-batch brewing and careful hop handling.

citrus zeststone fruitgrapefruitpeach

◐ Taste

Entry is crisp and hop-driven, with tropical fruit — mango and guava — building across the mid-palate alongside stone fruit sweetness. The bitterness is medium and composed, arriving cleanly without harshness, and lingers with clarity rather than harshness. A light malt sweetness supports the hops without overwhelming, allowing the Citra character to remain the focus throughout.

tropical fruitbitter cleanmalt-restrainedcitrus-forward

◑ Finish

The finish is dry and lingering, with the promised hop bitterness extending pleasantly into the aftertaste. Peach and citrus notes persist without becoming astringent, leaving the palate refreshed and inviting another sip.

drylingering bitterrefreshing
86
hopIQ score
Aroma
89
Taste
87
Appearance
85
Finish
82
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 Pale Ale Citra

More from The Kernel Brewery

East India Pale Ale London 1897
East India Pale Ale London 1897
English IPA
6.0%·Strongly bitter
Find matches →
Export India Porter
Export India Porter
Porter
6.0%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Export Stout Damson
Export Stout Damson
Foreign Extra Stout
7.5%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Export Stout London 1890
Export Stout London 1890
Foreign Extra Stout
7.5%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Half Brick
Half Brick
Rye Beer
4.4%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Haynau's Retreat
Haynau's Retreat
Schwarzbier
Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Imperial Brown Stout London 1856
India Double Porter
India Double Porter
Imperial Porter
7.4%·Strongly bitter
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 hoppy, citrusy, peach character as Pale Ale Citra 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 United Kingdom beers →