Waco Ale Company is a well-known brewery that prides itself on its quality and great-tasting beer. Of the many types of beer they brew, one that stands out is the Pale Ale. Pale Ale is increasingly becoming popular among beer drinkers, and in this blog, we’ll delve into what it is, its history, its ingredients, how it’s brewed, and why it’s a great-tasting beer worth trying.
What is Pale Ale?
As the name implies, Pale Ale is a beer lighter than the traditional copper-red hue of the brown ale. It can be defined as a beer made from pale malt, hops, yeast, and water, giving it its pale coloration that ranges from light amber to golden in color. Besides the pale malt grains used in the brewing process, pale ales have more hop character than other beer types, giving it its floral aroma and bitter taste. Pale ales are refreshing and perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.
The History of Pale Ale
Pale Ale’s history can be traced back to the 18th century when British brewers were seeking ways to make lighter-colored, hoppier beers that would appeal to a growing market of beer drinkers. At the time, most beers were made from dark-roasted malted barley, resulting in a sweeter and maltier beer. Pale Ales became popular in the early 1700s when brewers began experimenting with pale malt, which gave the beer a lighter color and a distinct flavor profile.
Ingredients in Pale Ale
The four main ingredients in pale ale are malted barley, hops, yeast, and water. The malted barley is the primary source of sugar needed to make alcohol in the beer. The barley is first steeped to allow it to germinate, then dried and roasted, causing it to become malted. When the roasted malted barley is mixed with hot water, it extracts the sugars from the grain, creating a sweet malt extract. Hops are then added to provide bitter flavors and aromas that balance the sweetness of the malt. Yeast is used to ferment the malt extract and convert the sugar into alcohol, while the water is used to make up the liquid portion of the beer.
How is Pale Ale Brewed?
Pale Ale is brewed using a brewing process known as mashing. During mashing, the malted barley is first crushed into small particles and mixed with hot water, forming a sweet malt extract. The mixture is then allowed to steep for several hours until it forms a sweet liquid called wort. Hops are then added to the wort, and the mixture is boiled for an hour to extract flavor and bitterness from the hops. The liquid is then cooled, and yeast is added to begin the fermentation process, where the sugar is converted into alcohol. After several weeks, the beer is then carbonated and bottled or kegged for consumption.
Locally Brewed Pale Ale Beer In Waco, Texas
If you want locally brewed Pale Ale beer in Waco, Texas, Waco Ale Company has what you need to quench your thirst. As a local brewery, Waco Ale continuously brews some of the best local favorite beers all year long. With great season brews and flagship staples, there is something for every beer lover at Waco Ale Company.