Table of Content
What exactly is a XPA?
An Extra Pale Ale, or 'XPA's are an American adaptation of the traditional English Pale Ale. This vibrant style emerged in Oregon in 2008 as part of the craft beer movement, with brewers essentially trying to create a classic pale ale while conforming to modern tastes.
The 'X' stands for Extra, often reffering to the beer being extra pale in it's colour, extra sessionability and or enhanced hop profile. This is combined with a lighter malt to keep the beer crisp, pale and easy drinking.
What are the differences between an XPA and Standard Pale Ale?
- Pronounced hop flavour
- Earthy and piney
- `Smooth and Balanced
- Rich, golden, toasty appearance
- A rich, malty backbone
- Lightly hopped
- Fruit-forward, grapefruit, ripened pineapple
- Punchier, sharper and crispier bitterness
- Strawlike, paler, brighter, less sweet malt.
Tasting Notes, Colour and Mouthfeel
Tasting Notes...
Extra Pale Ales are known for their bright, hop-forward character, balanced by a light malt backbone. Vibrant citrus and floral aromas lead into flavours of grapefruit, ripe pineapple, and juicy peach, while subtle pale malt sweetness adds depth without overshadowing the hops.
Moderate bitterness enhances the hop profile without dominating it, creating a crisp, clean finish that keeps the beer refreshing and highly drinkable. The result is a flavourful yet approachable beer that appeals to both hop enthusiasts and those looking for something lighter.
Perfectly sessionable without compromising on taste, Extra Pale Ales deliver a vibrant, refreshing drinking experience from first sip to last.
Colour...
In terms of their apperance, an extra pale ale often appears pale and brighter than a classic pale ale. The shade of the beer often floats between shades of pale, gold and amber.
Mouth Feel...
XPAs offer a light to medium body with a clean, effervescent mouthfeel that enhances their refreshing character. Usually sitting between 4.0% and 5.5% ABV, they deliver plenty of flavour while remaining highly sessionable.
Production
When it comes to the production of an extra pale ale, it’s hard to determine what each brewer’s interpretation for the style of beer will be. Brewers tend to experiment with multiple blends to create unique mixes.One thing is certain across all our XPA recipes, hops lead the way.
In order to make magical bike ride, we used some of the palest malts they could get their hands on. Blending a combination of Simpsons Extra Pale malt, Bestmalz Heidelberg malt and milled oats.
Additionally, we used a gentle boil, whirlpool hopped with YCH303 Phantasm and dry hopped with a delicate balance of Hallertau Blanc and Luminosa.
Current XPAs at Full Circle!
One of our new found favourite styles, the XPA is making a return. Brewed with Cashmere and Nelson Sauvin this beer has the classic crisp profile you would expect from an XPA with punchy citrus and notes of gooseberry and white grape.
Previous XPAs at Full Circle
Why are XPAs so popular?
XPAs are incredibly popular thanks to their sessionability, vibrant fruit-forward flavours, and refreshing character. They take many drinkers' favourite beer style and elevate it, delivering more flavour and aroma while remaining easy to enjoy!
What does 'extra' mean in XPA?
"Extra" doesn't have a strict legal definition in brewing. Instead, it generally indicates that the beer has been pushed a little further than a standard pale ale, often featuring a hoppier aroma, brighter colour and more refreshing.
Are XPAs strong?
Typically, an XPA will sit around 4.0–5.5% ABV, with many falling in the 4.5–5.0% range. That's similar to many pale ales and often a little lower than some IPAs.
Are XPAs super cloudy?
XPAs are generally not super cloudy. While dry-hopped versions can have a very slight haze, most XPAs are pale, highly drinkable, and tend to pour extremely clear or bright.
If i'm new to craft beer, is this a good style to try?
If you're moving from mainstream lagers, an XPA can be a natural next step because it offers noticeably more flavour and aroma while remaining balanced and accessible.
Where can I purchase XPAs from Full Circle?
Keep an eye on the Full Circle web shop for our latest XPAs. As our seasonal range is constantly evolving, availability can vary and some styles may only be available for a limited time.
What are the other styles of Pale Ale?
Other styles of Pale Ale include:
English Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
Austrialian Pale Ale
Indian Pale Ale
Session Pale Ale
Belgian Pale Ale
New England Pale Ale
Golden Ale
