If you’ve spent any time in a craft beer bar or explored the beer aisle, you’ve likely come across the term IPA. But what exactly is an IPA?
IPA stands for India Pale Ale, and it’s one of the most popular and versatile beer styles in the world today. Known for its bold hop flavors, aromatic profiles, and refreshing bitterness, IPA beer has become a go-to choice for beer lovers everywhere.
Whether you’re new to IPAs or just want to dive deeper into what makes this beer style unique, we’ve got you covered.
A Brief History of the IPA
The story of the IPA dates back to the 18th century, during the British colonial period. Brewers in England were tasked with creating a beer that could survive the long sea voyage to British troops stationed in India. To preserve the beer, they added extra hops and increased the alcohol content, both of which act as natural preservatives. This gave birth to what we now know as the India Pale Ale, or IPA.
While the style eventually faded in popularity, the craft beer movement of the 20th century revived it, especially in the United States, where brewers experimented with hops, creating the bold, hop-forward beers that dominate the IPA scene today.
What Defines an IPA?
An IPA is characterized primarily by its use of hops. Hops are the flowers that add bitterness, flavor, and aroma to beer. In an IPA, hops play a starring role, giving the beer its distinctive bitterness and a range of flavors from citrusy and floral to piney and earthy.
While hops are the backbone of an IPA, the malt base provides balance, offering a slightly sweet or malty undertone to counter the bitterness. Typically, IPAs have a medium to strong alcohol content, ranging from 5.5% to 7.5% ABV, though stronger versions can go much higher.
Different Styles of IPA
Over the years, IPAs have evolved into a variety of sub-styles, each offering a unique twist on this classic beer.
1. American IPA
The American IPA is the style that most people think of when they hear “IPA.” Known for its aggressive hop profile, it’s often packed with citrus, pine, and resinous flavors. American IPAs are well-balanced but can lean heavily on bitterness, with ABV usually ranging from 6% to 7.5%.
2. Double IPA (Imperial IPA)
Double or Imperial IPAs are stronger, hoppier versions of the standard IPA. With ABVs often hitting 8% to 10%, they deliver intense flavors and bitterness. While bold and powerful, well-made Double IPAs maintain balance between the alcohol, hops, and malt sweetness.
3. New England IPA (Hazy IPA)
Known for its cloudy appearance and juicy, fruit-forward flavor, the New England IPA (or Hazy IPA) focuses more on flavor and aroma than bitterness. These beers have a softer mouthfeel, with tropical and citrus flavors dominating the palate. They’re less bitter than traditional IPAs and have a smoother finish.
4. Session IPA
If you love IPAs but want something lighter in alcohol, the Session IPA is for you. With an ABV typically under 5%, Session IPAs retain the hoppy goodness of a standard IPA but are designed for easy drinking over longer periods.
5. West Coast IPA
West Coast IPAs emphasize clarity, bitterness, and a dry finish. These beers are known for their bold hop character, featuring pine, resin, and citrus notes. Unlike Hazy IPAs, West Coast IPAs are crisp and clean, with a refreshing bitterness.
Key Ingredients in an IPA
The primary ingredients in any beer are malt, hops, yeast, and water, but in IPAs, the hops take center stage. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients used to craft the perfect IPA:
- Hops: The defining characteristic of an IPA, hops contribute to bitterness, flavor, and aroma. Common hops in IPAs include Cascade, Citra, Simcoe, and Centennial, all of which bring citrus, pine, floral, or fruity notes to the beer.
- Malt: Malt gives the beer its body and sweetness, balancing the bitterness of the hops. While hops dominate the flavor profile in IPAs, the malt backbone is essential for creating a well-rounded beer.
- Yeast: The yeast used in IPAs is typically an ale yeast, which ferments at warmer temperatures, producing fruity and spicy notes that complement the hops.
- Water: Water composition can have a significant impact on the final taste of an IPA. Brewers often adjust the water chemistry to enhance the hop bitterness or soften the mouthfeel, depending on the style.
Why Are IPAs So Popular?
IPAs have gained massive popularity in the craft beer world due to their bold flavors, versatility, and the endless possibilities for experimentation. Craft brewers love to push the boundaries with IPAs, creating everything from juicy, hazy IPAs to intense, resinous Double IPAs. Whether you prefer a fruity, aromatic IPA or one that packs a bitter punch, there’s likely an IPA that suits your taste.
The wide range of hop varieties also gives brewers the ability to create new and exciting flavor profiles. It’s this constant innovation that keeps beer lovers coming back to IPAs, always eager to try the next hoppy creation.
How to Enjoy an IPA
IPAs are best enjoyed fresh. Over time, the hop flavors and aromas can fade, so it’s important to drink them while they’re still vibrant and bold. Serve your IPA in a glass to fully appreciate its color, aroma, and flavor. The best glassware for an IPA is a tulip or IPA-specific glass, which helps concentrate the aromas and enhance the drinking experience.
Also, don’t use a frozen glass as it will take away from the flavors in the beer.
Conclusion: What Is an IPA?
At its core, an IPA is a hop-forward beer style with bold flavors, a range of bitterness, and a rich history that dates back centuries. Whether you’re sipping on a classic American IPA, indulging in a fruity New England IPA, or exploring the intense world of Double IPAs, there’s something for everyone in this iconic beer style.