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DirectorySierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
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🌍 United States · American Pale Ale · One of 194 American Pale Ales in hopIQ

The beer that defined American craft. Brewed with whole-cone Cascade hops since 1980, giving a bold floral and citrus aroma that was unlike anything Americans had tasted. Balanced caramel malt, firm bitterness, clean finish. One of the most influential beers ever brewed.

Flavor Profile

How this beer tastes, mapped across 48 flavour tags

hoppy
100%
citrusy
100%
clean
60%
floral
60%
caramel
60%
bitter
60%
crisp
30%
refreshing
30%
light
30%
malty
30%
orange
30%
Explore all American Pale Ale beers in hopIQ →Compare with another beer →Browse United States beers →

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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, clean character as Sierra Nevada 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

Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Sierra Nevada 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.

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

Appearance

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale presents a brilliant golden amber hue with excellent clarity and a fine white head that persists nicely. The beer displays vibrant carbonation visible as steady streams of bubbles, contributing to a inviting and lively presentation.

golden amberbrilliant claritypersistent white headwell-carbonated

Aroma

The nose is dominated by bold Cascade hop character, presenting distinctive floral and citrus notes with underlying pine undertones. A subtle caramel malt sweetness supports the aromatic hops without overwhelming, creating an approachable yet complex bouquet that captures the essence of American craft brewing.

floral hopscitruspinecaramel malt

Taste

The palate opens with crisp, clean malt flavors balanced by firm hop bitterness and citrus character. The medium body carries fruit notes and pine through the mid-palate with well-integrated caramel sweetness, while the hoppy profile builds gradually to a satisfying bitter conclusion without harshness.

hoppycitrus-forwardbalanced bitternesscrisp malt

Finish

The finish is clean and refreshing with a dry quality that lingers pleasantly. Lingering hoppy bitterness and subtle pine notes fade gracefully, leaving a satisfying aftertaste that invites another sip.

drycleanlingering hops
88
hopIQ score
Aroma
89
Taste
87
Appearance
85
Finish
86
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Food Pairing

What to eat with Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

WHERE TO BUY

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