From the home of the original Pacific Ale, here’s how it stacks up against its cousin, the Pale Ale.
If you’ve ever found yourself staring down the tap list or fridge door, tossing up between a Pacific Ale and a Pale Ale, we get it, they sound similar, but they’re not quite the same. And around here, where the warm air rolls in off the ocean and good beer is part of the daily rhythm, knowing the difference matters.
We’re Stone & Wood, deeply rooted in the Northern Rivers, and fiercely passionate about brewing beer that reflects our place and our people. So, let’s crack this open.
Where Pacific Ale Came From (And Why We Brewed It)
Back in 2008, when we first fired up the tanks at our original brewery in Byron Bay, we weren’t chasing trends or trying to fit in. We just wanted to brew a beer that tasted like this place, fresh, light, tropical, and perfect for those long, salty afternoons that roll in from the Northern Rivers coast. That’s how Pacific Ale was born.
We chose Galaxy hops before they were the go-to choice. While everyone else was aiming for crystal-clear brews, we embraced the haze and the flavour it brought. We weren’t trying to fit into a tidy little style box; we just made a beer that felt right.
Galaxy hops hold a special place in our story, not just for their bold passionfruit, citrus, and peach aromas, but for the journey we’ve shared with our longtime mates at Hop Products Australia (HPA), the growers behind Galaxy. It’s more than a supplier connection; it’s a true friendship that’s grown alongside us both. Galaxy hit the scene just as we did, and together, we helped put Australian hops on the craft beer map. Galaxy reminds us why using homegrown ingredients matters. The best hops, grown right here on Aussie soil, bringing their unmistakable flavour to every drop.
When we look out over the Pacific Ocean, where rolling hills meet the sea, that’s the feeling we wanted to capture. That’s where the name came from: Pacific Ale. A beer inspired by the coast we proudly call home. Pacific Ale was never about copying anyone else. It was about crafting something that feels like coming home.
Pale Ale: A Classic with Bite
Pale Ale’s been around a lot longer, first brewed in England and then adapted over the years by brewers around the world. It’s known for its balance of malt and hops, with a slightly firmer bitterness compared to Pacific Ale.
In Australia, you’ll usually find Pale Ales sitting somewhere in the middle, not too hoppy, not too malty. Often, they bring citrus, pine, or earthy hop notes, balanced by a backbone of toasty malt.
It’s the kind of beer that pairs with a pub feed, a game of backyard cricket, or a cooler evening by the fire. Familiar, steady, and just bold enough to make itself known.
What Makes Galaxy Hops So Special
Ask anyone who’s had a sip of Pacific Ale, and they’ll tell you: it’s the smell. That burst of passionfruit and citrus on the nose, like cutting into a ripe tropical fruit salad, that’s the Galaxy hop doing its thing.
Grown right here in Australia by our mates Hop Products Australia (HPA), Galaxy hops are a native standout. They’re packed with flavour and aroma but bring only a gentle bitterness.
That’s why Pacific Ale stays smooth and super easy to drink, tropical and refreshing without overdoing it. We reckon Galaxy is what gives Pacific Ale its soul, bright, bold and unmistakably Aussie.
| Feature | Pale Ale | Pacific Ale |
| Origin | British-born, globally loved | Born in Byron Bay, Stone & Wood original |
| Appearance | Clearer, amber to copper | Hazy, pale and golden |
| Aroma | Citrus, pine, spice | Passionfruit, mango, citrus |
| Flavour | Balanced, slightly bitter | Smooth, tropical, low bitterness |
| Body | Medium, dry finish | Light, soft and juicy |
| Vibe | Bold, traditional, balanced | Easy-going, refreshing, coastal |
When to Drink What: Picking Your Beer for the Moment
Not sure which beer suits the moment? Here’s how we see it:
Pacific Ale is made for warm arvos, long lunches, backyard BBQs and salty skin. It’s your barefoot, post-swim beer, light, hazy, and seriously refreshing.
Pale Ale is great when you’re after something with a bit more bite. It’s what you’ll want with a hearty feed, a cool change, or a Sunday roast at the pub.
Both are worthy of a spot in the fridge, it just depends on the moment.
Brewed for Good
At Stone & Wood, beer’s only part of what we’re here for. We believe business should be a force for good, which is why we’ve been certified B Corp since 2016, holding ourselves to high standards when it comes to sustainability, transparency and looking after our crew and community.
From our solar-powered brewery and regenerative practices to our inGrained Foundation supporting local grassroots causes, we’re committed to leaving the Earth better than we found it.
So, when you crack a Pacific Ale, you’re also supporting a better way of brewing, living and giving back.
From the Taproom to the Backyard
Whether you’re pouring a fresh Pacific Ale straight from the taps at our Byron brewery, cracking a stubby on the deck, or sharing a six-pack with mates under the sun, or after a surf, it always tastes better in good company. Pale Ale brings the punch; Pacific Ale brings the sunshine.
Come See Us (And Taste the Difference) Want to taste the difference for yourself? Come and visit us at our Byron Bay brewery, you’ll find fresh beer, good food, friendly faces, and a chance to see where it all began.
Not in town? No stress, our online store has you covered or check your local for Pacific Ale and Pale Ale in the fridge or on tap.
Whichever you choose, you’ll be getting a beer that’s brewed with purpose, made with care, and rooted in the Northern Rivers. Cheers to good beer, good mates, and this beautiful corner of the world we call home.
