Andrew Chainless
EPA beer, or Extra Pale Ale (EPA or XPA), is a type of craft beer brewed with pale malts and American hops. It typically has an ABV (alcohol by volume) between 4-7%. EPAs have a light to medium body and moderate hop bitterness. They are often described as having citrusy, floral, and/or fruity aromas and flavors. The style was first popularized on the West Coast in the late 1980s but has become more widely available in recent years.
A style of beer that has come to prominence in recent years is the EPA, or Extra Pale Ale. Pioneered by breweries such as Summit Brewing Company and Sweetwater Brewing Company since the 80s, this pale ale boasts a lighter flavor profile than its more popular cousin -the iconic IPA- while still maintaining all of those wonderful hop characteristics we love so much from craft beers. If you’re looking for an approachable summer brew sure to satisfy both your thirst and taste buds alike, then look no further.
Characteristics
EPA beers tend to be relatively balanced between malt sweetness and hop bitterness. The bittersweet character makes them enjoyable for people who may not be accustomed to heavily hopped styles like IPAs or Double IPAs. Despite their low alcohol content, EPAs can still be flavorful and complex. They often have notes of citrus, tropical fruit, pine, and/or floral flavors.
What is the difference between EPA and IPA beers?
The main difference between EPA beers and IPAs is that the former tends to have lower alcohol content and less hop bitterness. An IPA typically has an ABV of 6-10%, while an EPA will usually range from 4-7%. Additionally, EPAs tend to be maltier and less bitter than IPAs. The hop bitterness in an EPA is usually more balanced with its malt sweetness, making it an ideal option for those who don’t enjoy overly hoppy beers. Overall, EPAs offer a great balance between flavor and refreshment which makes them enjoyable for just about any beer drinker. If you’re looking for something slightly different that isn’t too heavy or bitter, give an Extra Pale Ale a try!
In summary, EPA beer is a type of craft beer brewed with pale malts and American hops. It typically has an ABV between 4-7% and is characterized by its balanced bittersweet character. EPAs tend to have citrusy, floral, and/or fruity notes; they are often enjoyed by those who don’t prefer heavily hopped styles like IPAs or Double IPAs due to their lower alcohol content and maltier flavor profile. If you’re looking for something slightly different that isn’t too heavy or bitter, give Extra Pale Ale a try!
Do not confuse Extra Pale Ale with English Pale Ale
Craft beer is a rising trend in today’s beer industry, with England Pale Ale (EPA) being one of the most popular. EPA is an English-style pale ale that has a smooth and dry finish. It is characterized by its bright golden color and subtle hop aroma, as well as its light body and refreshing taste.
EPA is a traditional ale that has been around for centuries and is still popular today. The recipe has been updated to fit the modern palate, but the traditional style is still intact. The beer is made using English malts and hops, which give it a unique flavor profile. It has a moderate alcohol content and low bitterness, which makes it highly drinkable.
The flavor of EPA is pleasingly balanced and complex. It has a light and malty taste, with notes of citrus, grass, and herbs. The beer also has a slight bitterness that comes from the addition of hops, which gives it an earthy, spicy flavor.
EPA is a great choice for any beer enthusiast. It’s a perfect accompaniment to a variety of meals, from fish and chips to steak, and it pairs well with a variety of cheeses. It’s also an ideal choice for those who want a lighter beer but still wants something flavorful.
England Pale Ale is a classic beer that is sure to please. Its flavor is complex and balanced, and it’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning beer drinker. So, if you’re looking for a great beer to enjoy, look no further than England Pale Ale.
Best Extra Pale Ales (EPA beer)
Sweetwater Brewing Company’s 420 Extra Pale Ale is a light and refreshing American-style pale ale with a malty sweetness and a hint of floral hop aroma. It has a crisp, clean finish that lingers on the palate. This beer has a light-bodied, straw-yellow color and a pleasant aroma of the hop, malt, and citrus. The hop character is balanced with a light, sweet malt character. The bitterness is balanced with a pleasant, slightly sweet finish. It has an IBU of 39 and an ABV of 5.7%.
High and Mighty XPA is an American-style extra pale ale. This beer has a light, golden-orange color with a slightly sweet-bitter hop aroma. The taste is a balance of malt and hop flavors, with a pleasant bitterness and a hint of citrus. The finish is dry and crisp with lingering hop bitterness. It has an IBU of 45 and an ABV of 4.5%.
Berkshire Brewing Company Steel Rail Extra Pale Ale is an American-style extra pale ale. This beer has a light, straw-colored appearance and a pleasant aroma of hop and malt. The flavor is a balanced blend of sweet malt and pleasant hop bitterness. The finish is crisp and dry with a lingering hop flavor. It has an IBU of 20 and an ABV of 5.3%.
Summit EPA, Summit Brewing Company is an American-style extra pale ale. This beer has a light, golden-yellow color with a balanced hop aroma. The flavor is a pleasant blend of malt and hop bitterness. The finish is crisp and dry with a lingering hop flavor. It has an IBU of 45 and an ABV of 5.2%.
X Extra Pale Ale from AleSmith Brewing Company is a light and refreshing American-style pale ale with a crisp, hoppy flavor. It is hopped with Cascade and Centennial hops for a citrusy and piney aroma and taste. The light body and dry finish make this beer perfect for any time of year. The 5.25% ABV and 35 IBUs make it a sessionable and easy-drinking yet flavorful beer.
Flying Fish Brewing Co.’s Extra Pale Ale is a light-bodied pale ale brewed with Simcoe and Mosaic hops. It has a subtle malt character that is balanced with a bright, citrusy hop flavor and aroma. The 5.5% ABV and 11 IBUs make this beer a great choice for any time of year. The light body and dry finish make it an easy-drinking yet flavorful beer.
Food Pairings
EPA beers are versatile and can pair well with a wide range of food. The hop bitterness helps to cut through the fat in rich dishes like steak or grilled salmon. They also pair nicely with spicy foods as the bitterness helps balance out the heat factor. For lighter fare such as salads or roasted vegetables, an EPA’s moderate sweetness adds complexity to the dish without overpowering it. Finally, EPAs make great accompaniments for pizza or burgers due to their hop character lending complementary flavors to these comfort classics.
Conclusion
Overall, Extra Pale Ales are a great way to enjoy craft beer without being overwhelmed by intense hop bitterness. They offer a nice balance of flavor and refreshment while still exhibiting the complexity and character of craft beer. With their wide range of aromas and flavors, EPAs can be enjoyed with various food pairings. So next time you’re in the mood for something special but not too strong, reach for an EPA!
