The rise and rise of the American Pale Ale

Little Creatures Pale Ale

Have you noticed a certain variety of beer making inroads into the average Australian’s palate lately?

Perhaps you’ve noticed the sudden appearance of Fat Yak at your local pub lately, or maybe one of your mates has brought around a six-pack from a strange WA brewer called Little Creatures…

Certainly guests of a Thirsty Critters tour would notice, because both microbreweries we visit have a shining example of this wonderful beer variety on tap.

Yes, I’m talking about the wonderful pale ale. Or more precisely, the American variant (American Pale Ale), a wonderfully fragrant drop, full of hops and fruity flavours.

At a recent Good Beer Lunch, beer sommelier Ian Watson regaled us with a tale of a very well-known and knowledgeable beer critic coming to Australia and sampling Little Creatures Pale Ale… and describing it as the best example of an American Pale Ale anywhere in the world. Not bad! And you can pick up a carton of this world-class goodness for as little as $60 at your local bottle shop.

Burleigh Brewing Co Duke Pale Ale

On the Thirsty Critters tour, guests can try a MT Moderation Pale Ale, a lighter version clocking in at 3.3% ABV. While down the road at Burleigh, Duke Pale Ale is on tap and also bottled for purchase at one of your local bottle-o’s (if you’re lucky). Both are fantastic – but if you want to try the MT, you’ll have to join a Thirsty Critters tour

If you’re new to the joys of American pale ale, try one! They’re certainly more of a challenge to palates accustomed to Australian mass-market lagers, but far more approachable than dark lagers and stouts. Large liquor chains like Dan Murphy’s and First Choice now stock quite a few American pale ales from Aussie craft brewers, so there’s no excuse for you not to pick one up next time you’re out shopping for your tipple.

All hail the pale ale!