IPA vs Pale Ale: What’s the Difference?

IPA vs Pale Ale: Same Roots, Different Beasts

IPA vs Pale Ale is a classic beer comparison that confuses many craft lovers. You’ve seen both names on tap. But what exactly separates an IPA from a Pale Ale?

Both are hop-forward and come from similar British roots—but the difference in flavor, strength, and bitterness is what is different. Whether you’re team balanced or team bitter, knowing the contrast helps you drink smarter. Let’s break down what sets them apart.

The Shared DNA

Both styles come from the British Pale Ale tradition. They use similar malts and yeast strains, and both are known for hop-forward flavor.

But that’s where the similarities stop:

Key Differences Between IPA and Pale Ale

Feature	Pale Ale	IPA
ABV (alcohol)	4.5–5.5%	6–7.5% (can go to 10%+)
Bitterness (IBU)	~30–40 IBU	~50–100+ IBU
Hops	Mild to moderate	Bold, resinous, fruity, floral
Body	Crisp and light	Medium to full
Finish	Balanced	Bitter or dry
Best for	Everyday drinkers	Hop lovers, food pairing, bolder moments

➡️ Want to explore a hazy hop bomb? Read: What is a NEIPA?

Flavor Profile: Mild vs Mayhem

Pale Ales often taste balanced—some citrus, some malt, light bitterness.
IPAs crank that up: they’re hoppy but also much more fruity, sometimes resinous, sometimes dank and somewhat bitter, and quite often have a slightly higher ABV kick.

Think of Pale Ale as beer for every day or a quick refreshment on the terrace, while IPA is beer for when you want to taste every damn hop in the tank and get nourished by a bowl of fruit.

Food Pairing Tips

Both styles pair well with spicy and savory snacks, but:

Pale Ale is great with light cheeses, fries, and fried snacks.
IPA needs strong partners: spicy chicken wings, aged cheese, or mango chutney snacks.

Moersleutel Style: We Go IPA

At Moersleutel, we love to enjoy Pale Ales—but our heart beats hoppy. Beers like our classic Crank the Juice or Wrench IPA go beyond classic IPA territory and are bestsellers for a reason.

They’re juicy, layered and unapologetically loud. Just how we like it.

TL;DR – IPA vs Pale Ale

IPA = fruitier, hoppier, stronger
Pale Ale = balanced, lighter, more sessionable

Curious to Taste the Difference?

Try an IPA and Pale Ale side by side. Or better: grab a Moersleutel beer box and explore the hop spectrum.

➡️ Check our beer gift boxes
➡️ What does IPA stand for?

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