Pale ale has up to 5 percent alcohol content, while India pale ale—a variety of pale ale—typically has more; both usually have even stronger notes of hops. Darker strong ale commonly contains up to 6.5 percent alcohol content.

Generally, beer is a broader term encompassing various styles and flavours. In contrast, ale is a specific type of beer made with a different kind of yeast and fermented at a different temperature. When it comes to classification, beer is most often broken down into two main categories: lagers vs ales.