This Top Ten American Pale Ales list is from America's Best and from the results of the 2010 U.S. Open Beer Championship.   
 
1. Sharptail Pale Ale – Montana Brewing - Montana
2. Mauna Kea Pale Ale – Mehana Brewing - Hawaii
3. Cascade Pale Ale – Stevens Point Brewing - Wisconsin
4. Dales Pale Ale, Oskars Blues Brewing - Colorado
5. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Sierra Nevada Brewing - California
6. Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Deschutes Brewing - Oregon
7. Hurricane Reef Pale Ale, Florida Brewing - Florida
8. California Pale Ale - Firestone Walker Brewing - California 
9. Heavy Seas Pale Ale - Clipper City Brewing  - Maryland
10. Cardinal Pale Ale - Nebraska Brewing - Nebraska
    

American  Pale Ale
American pale ales range from deep golden to copper in color. The style is characterized by fruity, floral and citrus-like American-variety hop character producing high hop bitterness, flavor, and aroma Note that “floral and citrus-like American-variety hop character” is the perceived end, but may be a result of the skillful use of hops of other national origins. American pale ales have medium body and low to medium maltiness. Low caramel character is allowable. Fruity-ester flavor and aroma should be moderate to strong. Diacetyl should be absent or present at very low levels. Chill haze is allowable at cold temperatures.
OG: 1.044-1.050
FG: 1.008-1.014
Alcohol by Weight: 3.5-4.3%
IBU: 30-42
Color SRM: 6-14