Ales to Satisfy Every Palate: The Top 20 Ales That Define Craft Beer Excellence

Introduction:

Ales, one of the oldest and most diverse beer styles, offer an incredible array of flavors, aromas, and textures. From the crisp bite of a pale ale to the rich complexity of a barleywine, ales have something to satisfy every palate. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve curated a list of the top 20 ales available in the USA, showcasing the best in this broad category. Whether you’re a seasoned ale enthusiast or new to the style, this list will introduce you to the cream of the crop. Each ale is accompanied by detailed reasoning and key statistics, helping you explore the world of ales. Let’s dive into the diverse and delicious world of ales.

1. Pliny the Elder – Russian River Brewing Co.

• ABV (Alcohol by Volume): 8%
• IBU (International Bitterness Units): 100
• Reasoning: Pliny the Elder is an iconic double IPA known for its bold hop character, notes of citrus, pine, and a balanced malt backbone.

2. Two Hearted Ale – Bell’s Brewery

• ABV: 7%
• IBU: 55
• Reasoning: Two Hearted Ale is a celebrated American IPA with a balanced blend of floral, citrus, and piney hop flavors.

3. Dale’s Pale Ale – Oskar Blues Brewery

• ABV: 6.5%
• IBU: 65
• Reasoning: Dale’s Pale Ale is a classic American pale ale with a hoppy, yet well-balanced, character and a hint of malt sweetness.

4. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale – Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

• ABV: 5.6%
• IBU: 38
• Reasoning: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is an American classic with a delightful mix of piney and citrusy hops and a caramel malt backbone.

5. Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA – Dogfish Head Brewery

• ABV: 9%
• IBU: 90
• Reasoning: Dogfish Head’s 90 Minute IPA is a bold imperial IPA with a continuous hop addition, offering a well-rounded and hop-forward experience.

6. Founders All Day IPA – Founders Brewing Co.

• ABV: 4%
• IBU: 42
• Reasoning: Founders All Day IPA is a sessionable IPA with a tropical and citrus hop profile, making it perfect for easy sipping.

7. Anchor Steam Beer – Anchor Brewing Company

• ABV: 4.9%
• IBU: 33
• Reasoning: Anchor Steam Beer is a California Common with a unique blend of caramel malt, earthy hops, and a crisp, refreshing finish.

8. Stone IPA – Stone Brewing

• ABV: 6.9%
• IBU: 77
• Reasoning: Stone IPA is a well-known West Coast IPA with a burst of citrus and tropical fruit flavors and a bold hop character.

9. Deschutes Black Butte Porter – Deschutes Brewery

• ABV: 5.2%
• IBU: 30
• Reasoning: Black Butte Porter is a classic American porter with a rich, malty character, showcasing notes of coffee and chocolate.

10. Samuel Adams Boston Lager – Samuel Adams

• ABV: 4.9%
• IBU: 30
• Reasoning: Samuel Adams Boston Lager is an iconic Vienna Lager with a balanced blend of caramel, toasty malt, and floral hops.

11. Lagunitas IPA – Lagunitas Brewing Company

• ABV: 6.2%
• IBU: 51.5
• Reasoning: Lagunitas IPA is a classic American IPA with a tropical fruit and citrus hop profile, offering a refreshing and hoppy experience.

12. New Belgium Fat Tire – New Belgium Brewing Company

• ABV: 5.2%
• IBU: 22
• Reasoning: Fat Tire is a beloved American Amber Ale with a balanced character of toasty malt, caramel, and a hint of spice.

13. Guinness Draught – Guinness

• ABV: 4.2%
• IBU: 45
• Reasoning: Guinness Draught is an iconic Irish Dry Stout known for its velvety texture and notes of dark chocolate and coffee.

14. Bell’s Expedition Stout – Bell’s Brewery

• ABV: 10.5%
• IBU: 70
• Reasoning: Expedition Stout is a bold and complex Russian Imperial Stout with intense roasted malt, dark fruit, and chocolate flavors.

15. Firestone Walker Union Jack – Firestone Walker Brewing Company

• ABV: 7%
• IBU: 70
• Reasoning: Union Jack is an American IPA with a balance of tropical fruit, citrus, and a strong hop character, making it a standout in the category.

16. 60 Minute IPA – Dogfish Head Brewery

• ABV: 6%
• IBU: 60
• Reasoning: Dogfish Head’s 60 Minute IPA is a well-hopped IPA with a blend of citrus and pine, creating a satisfying and flavorful experience.

17. Arrogant Bastard Ale – Stone Brewing

• ABV: 7.2%
• IBU: 100+
• Reasoning: Arrogant Bastard Ale is a strong American Strong Ale with a bold hop character and a complex blend of malt and spice.

18. Founder’s KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout) – Founders Brewing Co.

• ABV: 12.2%
• IBU: 70
• Reasoning: KBS is a highly sought-after American Imperial Stout with coffee, chocolate, and bourbon barrel-aged goodness.

19. Victory at Sea – Ballast Point Brewing Company

• ABV: 10%
• IBU: 60
• Reasoning: Victory at Sea is a robust coffee vanilla imperial porter, making it a delightful choice for those who love a hint of sweetness.

20. Orval – Brasserie d’Orval

• ABV: 6.2%
• IBU: N/A
• Reasoning: Orval is a classic Belgian Pale Ale known for its complex blend of fruit, spice, and a signature brettanomyces character.

Conclusion:

These top 20 ales represent the best of what the ale category has to offer, showcasing a wide spectrum of flavors and styles. Whether you prefer a hop-forward IPA, a malty porter, a rich stout, or a complex Belgian ale, there’s something on this list to satisfy every palate. So, pour yourself a glass, savor the diverse world of ales, and toast to your next flavorful beer adventure. Cheers!