Like to Amber Ales, this beer is primarily a catch all for any beer less than a Dark Ale in color, ranging from amber to deep red hues.

This style of beer tends to focus on the malts, but hop character can range from low to high. Expect a balanced beer, with toasted malt characters and a light fruitiness in most examples. These microbrews, as well as pilsners and other light beers are usually a beginner's introduction to the craft beer world.

American red ales range from light copper to deep red in color. They are characterized by American-variety hops used to produce a medium hop bitterness, flavor, and medium to high aroma. Red ales have medium-high to high maltiness with medium to low caramel character. They should have medium to medium-high body. The style may have low levels of fruity-ester flavor and aroma. Chill haze is allowable at cold temperatures. Slight yeast haze is acceptable for bottle-conditioned products.