What is an APA?

First things first, know what you’re drinking – if only to give you a good opening chat-up line or something to talk about in the queue for the loos. Where pale ales (PA) tend to have an even balance of malt and hop characters, and India pale ales (IPA) feature strong hop flavours and aromas, American pale ales (APA) usually have good bitterness and a great citrus punch thanks to the use of Cascade hop varieties which have bright citrusy notes. If you want to know more about the differences between IPA and APA beers, read here.

Perfect for hot day refreshment, APAs pair well with everything from fish and chips (our personal favourite) to spicy Mexican foods, firm cheeses like cheddar, curry, pizza and chargrilled burgers. Here are our top picks this New Year’s…
 

Panhead Supercharger

This all-American pale ale will grab your attention with plenty of citrus tenacity, and a bold bitter payoff.
 

Emerson’s Big Rig

A truckload of hops gives this APA plenty of attention-getting character, with tropical and citrus flavours and a discernible malt base.
 

Mac’s Interstate

This high flavoured APA is full of robust hop characters with a crisp bitterness, pine and citrus notes and brilliantly bright aromatics.
 

Harrington’s Yankdak

A flag-waving golden amber American ale with punchy citrus notes, elements of pine, floral American hops and a balanced bitterness.