An American Pale Ale (APA) is a style of beer that originated in the United States around 1980. It is a top-fermented beer, meaning it is an ale, and has a light color, typically a light golden hue. APAs are highly hopped, meaning they have a higher level of bitterness and aroma than other alcoholic beverages. They are brewed using malt and hops that are typical of American craft beer, with the malt usually being a blend of two-row and six-row barley, while the hops used can vary from one batch to another. APAs are generally around 5% ABV with significant quantities of American hops, typically Cascade. Although APAs are similar to American India Pale Ales (IPA), the latter is stronger and more assertively hopped. The first brewery to successfully commercialize the use of significant quantities of American hops in the style of APA was the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, which brewed the first experimental batch of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale in November 1980, distributing the finished version in March 1981. APAs are approachable, mellow beer choices that are not as bitter as IPAs and have a malty, medium-bodied beer with a low caramel profile. They are ideal for beer enthusiasts and those new to the overwhelming selections. APAs are a go-to beer for many restaurant-goers, as they pair well with almost everything.