Is there truly a Canadian pale ale?

Is “Canadian pale ale” creeping into our brewing vocabulary?

Pale ales trace their roots back to the early 18th century in England. Historically, these beers were copper-coloured with sweet malt notes and a moderate bitterness. Jump ahead to the early 1980s, and a new twist on the classic pale ale emerged on the U.S. west coast, brewed with potent cascade hops. This hopped up version, which challenged the light beer norm, was subsequently dubbed “American pale ale”.

While pale ales' inherent bitterness (or “hoppiness”) can be an acquired taste, their popularity is unquestionably rising. Pale ales are a particular favourite amongst the hard-core devotees known as “hop heads”, who crave their IBUs (international bitterness units) in every pint.

More recently, a Canadian take on the pale ale has emerged in the great white north, when Mill Street Brewery introduced Tankhouse ale in 2003. Mill Street brewmaster Joel Manning says “Tankhouse ale doesn't fit into any classical style. It's not as malty as British brown ale and it's not as aggressively hopped as American pale ale. Brewed with five different malts and cascade hops, its complex malty texture are balanced by a snappy bitterness, making it highly drinkable in relation to its west coast cousins.”

Expect a Canadian pale ale to have punched up roastiness and maltiness: the perfect pint to enjoy during our long winter nights.

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