Over the last 12 months you may have seen an increase in the number of breweries releasing a beer style called Extra Pale Ale or XPA for short. But what is this new style and what are some good examples?

Extra Pale Ale is a style that originated in the United States approximately 2 years ago and is a twist on the traditional American Pale Ale. Like many new world beer styles each brewery will have their own interpretation of the style. Some believe the “extra” is in reference to an extra pale colour, while others believe the it refers to more flavour and aroma.

Extra Pale Ales are designed to bridge the gap between Pale Ales and India Pale Ales (IPA), mostly in terms of hop/bitterness/aromatic profile and alcohol content. Pale Ales will traditionally be between 4%-5% while Extra Pale Ales will be 5%-6% and IPAs will be 6%-7%.

XPAs can also be known by other names including Session IPA, Strong Pale Ale and Hoppy Pale Ale – but even within this there are different interpretations of each style!

Some of Our Favourite Extra Pale Ales

Balter XPA (Queensland, 5.0%)

Launching on the scene in 2016 this beer has become very popular. Expect tropical and floral aromatics set off a fruity palette that will delight your taste buds. Designed with a refreshing bitterness its tailored for those who enjoy a fully-hopped beer that's still easy to drink.

Philter XPA (NSW, 4.2%)

Awarded Champion Pale Ale at the 2017 Australian Craft Beer Industry Awardsthis is a great XPA with a little less alcohol content compared to Balter XPA. Expect tropical fruit aromas and a beer that is naturally cloudy and easy drinking.

From the team at Beer Cartel, we wish you and your family a safe and joyful holiday season, and look forward to sharing more sensational beers with you in 2018.