New Horizon - But Even Newer!

We’ve reinvented our flagship product New Horizon Pale Ale as an East Coast APA, imagine softer bitterness, juicier hop flavour, intense citrus aroma, and tantalising oaty haze... and on top of all that it’s now naturally gluten free as well vegan!

We’ve always utilised the best of both worlds with this beer by creating a harmonic symphony of flavours from the use of the finest all UK grown malts, along with the most aromatic American hop varieties.

We’ve included a small blog below to briefly discus the differences between US and UK Pale Ales, and the core characteristics of East vs West coast styles, keep reading for a 20% off discount code!

UK vs. US Pale Ales: A Comparative Sip in Craft Brewing

In the vast universe of craft brewing, pale ales have carved out a niche that’s both historic and innovative. The distinction between UK and US pale ales offers a fascinating glimpse into how geography and culture shape our beloved brews. Today, we explore these differences and delve into the West Coast vs. East Coast pale ale debate.

The Quintessential UK Pale Ale

UK pale ales, often referred to as bitters, are steeped in history. These beers are known for their balanced flavour profiles, characterized by a subtle malt sweetness and moderate hop bitterness. The hops used in UK pale ales, like East Kent Goldings and Fuggles, provide earthy, floral, and slightly fruity notes. Bitters, typically copper to amber in colour, have a smooth, drinkable quality that makes them a staple in British pubs.

The Bold US Pale Ale

Across the pond, US pale ales take on a bolder persona. Introduced during the craft beer revolution of the late 20th century, these ales emphasize hop-forward flavours, often using American hop varieties like Cascade, Centennial, and Citra. The result is a more pronounced bitterness, with vibrant citrus, pine, and tropical fruit aromas. US pale ales are typically lighter in colour, ranging from pale golden to amber, and have a crisp, refreshing finish that makes them a favourite among hop enthusiasts.

Flavour Profiles: A Tale of Two Palates

While UK pale ales offer a more balanced and malt-forward experience, US pale ales are all about hops. The earthy and floral notes of UK varieties contrast with the bright and bold flavours of their American counterparts. This difference in hop character not only reflects the ingredients but also the brewing philosophy on each side of the Atlantic.

West Coast vs. East Coast Pale Ales

Within the US pale ale category, there's an additional layer of variety: West Coast vs. East Coast pale ales.

West Coast Pale Ales: Known for their intense hop bitterness and clarity, West Coast pale ales are all about that bold, in-your-face hop flavour. These beers often feature piney, resinous, and citrusy hop notes, with a clean, dry finish. The malt profile is typically subdued, allowing the hops to shine.

East Coast Pale Ales: In contrast, East Coast pale ales tend to have a more balanced approach. They often incorporate a higher level of malt sweetness, which balances the hop bitterness. The result is a hazier beer with a smoother mouthfeel and softer, more rounded hop flavours. Think tropical fruit and citrus, but with a touch of sweetness to balance it out.

Pairing Perfection

When it comes to food pairings, the differences between UK and US pale ales open up a world of possibilities. UK pale ales, with their balanced profiles, pair well with traditional pub fare like fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and bangers and mash. Their subtle flavours enhance the meal without overpowering it.

US pale ales, with their bold hop presence, are great with spicy foods, grilled meats, and bold cheeses. The hops can stand up to strong flavours and cleanse the palate, making each bite as enjoyable as the first.

The Craft Brewery Connection

For craft breweries, the diversity of pale ales offers a blank canvas for creation and innovation.

Brewers are free to express themselves through their choice (and volume) of hops, as well as experimenting with different malt combinations to determine the overall flavours and aromas of the final beer, and lastly exploring different yeasts to control attenuation and ester production, allowing them to brew classics perfectly to spec or push the boundaries of a the style altogether, the possibilities are endless.

The Transatlantic Connection

Next time you explore the world of craft beer, take a moment to appreciate the rich diversity between UK and US pale ales. Embrace the subtlety of a UK bitter or dive into the hop-forward adventure of a US pale ale. And don't forget to explore the regional nuances within the US, from the bold West Coast to the balanced East Coast offerings. There's a pale ale for every palate, waiting to be discovered.

We set out to bridge the gap between styles here, the bold punchy hop aroma of America, and the rich, comforting malt backbone from the UK, a homage to both great styles through our own personal expression of how they can work together in perfect harmony.

We might be slightly bias but we believe once you’ve tried New Horizon, all others pale in comparison…

In celebration of our latest recipe update you can grab 20% off from your whole cart with the code ‘PREORDER20’ – don’t miss out!

https://www.wapbrewing.co.uk/product-page/new-horizon-can