Next up in the variety pack is the Pale Ale. approached with some trepidation as I don’t like IPAs, but it seems that is a different beast. Pours medium amber with a medium head if poured aggressively that dissipates fairly quickly but carbonation stays. Pretty bright and dry, with a bitter that stays for a bit. But no strong flowery or weed taste. Not my fave of the bunch, but drinkable. 2.5 pale monkeys.
Not all pale ales are India Pale Ales. “Pale” just differentiates it from a stout, brown, amber, or blonde ale. “India” indicates a heavy level of hopping meant to preserve ales on the the non-refrigerated journey from the British Isles around the cape to that distant colony back in the days of square riggers (arr!).