These brews all seem to fit within BJCP (beer judge certificate program) categories 8A and 8B – English Pale Ale . The history of English Pale Ale or what is also referred to as “Bitter”, a draught ale served very fresh under no pressure (gravity or hand pump only) at cellar temperatures (i.e. “real ale”). Bitter was created as a draught alternative (i.e. running beer) to country-brewed pale ale around the start of the 20th century and became widespread once brewers understood how to “Burtonize” their water to successfully brew pale beers and to use crystal malts to add a fullness and roundness of palate. This is category 8. English Pale Ale, within the guide and is broken down to three subcategories; 8A. Standard/Ordinary Bitter, 8B. Special/Best/Premium Bitter and 8C. Extra Special/Strong Bitter (English Pale Ale). Differences between subcategories are minimal, increased alcohol content, slightly higher IBUs, increased malt character, with more significant bitterness in the final category.
First, a look at Sierra Nevada’s, 5.6% adv. Pale Ale. I purchased this as a 355 mL bottle 6-pack. Grabbing 
a Willybecher style glass (this is the standard beer glass in Germany, tapering at the top, holding 500 millilitres or 16.9 ounces of beer and typically used for German beer styles) I headed outside on a sunny afternoon. The afternoon sun brilliantly illuminated the light amber ale as it filled the glass, finishing on top with a fluffy warm white head. To my surprise, I found some sediment spill into the glass at the end of the pour. This pale ale has a moderately strong malt aroma. Lightly roasted cereal and notes of straw. The complexity of aroma from the hop bouquet was very pleasant, presenting a moderately strong perfume, with citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit that rose above the malt to dominate. The initial flavour is lightly sweet that remains light throughout, however a moderate bitterness builds toward the finish and diminishes slowly. Mouth feel was creamy, with a lively carbonation. ♦♦♦◊◊
I had my 500 mL, 5.2% Maclean’s Pale Ale in one of my favourite beer glasses, a short stemmed, tear drop pint glass from Riedel (look for info regarding glassware in Brew news coming soon). 
I found this to be a very drinkable ale. It poured a large, fluffy warm white head, was clear with medium carbonation and medium amber in colour (as you would expect). I didn’t expect the hop bouquet to be so full of flowers and perfume notes followed by some citrus, that presented as orange rind. The malt was moderately rich with subtle notes of honey, cereal and bread. Maclean’s initial flavour was moderately sweet with a light acidity. As it finishes the acidity disappears, leaving behind a light bitterness to balance the remaining sweetness. ♦♦♦♦◊
Last but not least, Square Nail Pale Ale from The Publican House Brewery, 5.5% abv. in a 473 mL can. Using the same Willybecher glass as I used with the Sierra Nevada brew.
A small, fluffy, warm white head sat atop the light amber coloured brew. I took in a deep sniff of malt 
and hops. Confronted by the malt first, it presented as moderately sweet with bread and straw, and a subtle caramel note that’s well hidden, but waiting to be unearthed. The perfumey bouquet was light, layered with spruce and grapefruit. The initial flavour was lightly sweet and bitter, with a lasting moderately bitter finish. ♦♦♦◊◊
Brewery Notes on the can state the following:
“At 5.5%, our west coast style pale ale has a huge citrus and caramel aroma on the nose. The special pale ale is full flavoured, with a bitter finish that is balanced out perfectly by the toffee malt character.”
I don’t believe there’s a huge citrus and caramel aroma, but it is present. They also refer to it as “special pale ale” on the back. Why not call it that? Special Pale Ale is category 8B in the BJCP.
All in all three good examples of pale ale, whatever category you put them in. I think my favorite was the Maclean’s. Happy sampling.
P.S.
The Willybecher style glass (just for reference) – 
Brewing project. First up, the Amber Ale: this is a nicely balanced, deeply copper coloured ale with a full, sweet malt bill with just enough hops to maintain a balanced ale. It is sweet to start with a refreshingly dry finish. A perfect full flavoured summer beer.
Blonde coloured Pale ale. Hazy, with a large fluffy head, the malt aroma id very light. The charm of this thirst quencher is in the moderately hoppy bouquet boasting resin and a host of citrus, notably grapefruit, orange and pineapple.
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