IPAs

IPAs, or India Pale Ales, are a beer style within the pale ale family known for strong hop aroma and higher perceived bitterness compared with many other pale ales. The name originates from historical export practices in which British brewers shipped beer to India, using additional hops and higher alcohol content to help preserve the beer during long voyages.

History and development

The style arose in England in the 18th and 19th centuries as a way to preserve beer on long sea trips to colonial outposts. In the late 20th century, American brewers led a revival that emphasized vigorous hopping, diverse hop variety, and a wider range of flavors, helping IPAs become a prominent category in global craft beer.

Characteristics

IPAs typically use a pale malt base, producing a light to deep gold color. Bitterness ranges widely, often described as noticeable but balanced by malt or offset by fruity hop aromas. Common hop-derived flavors include citrus, pine, resin, and tropical fruit. Standard IPAs generally sit around 5% to 7.5% alcohol by volume, with Double or Imperial IPAs commonly higher, sometimes approaching or exceeding 8% ABV. Many modern IPAs employ dry hopping to maximize aroma without substantially increasing perceived bitterness.

Substyles

English IPAs tend to balance malt with earthy or herbal hop notes, producing moderate bitterness. American IPAs emphasize pronounced hop character with citrus, pine, and floral notes and typically higher bitterness. New England IPAs are often hazy and juicy, with softer bitterness and tropical fruit flavors. Session IPAs offer lower ABV for longer drinking sessions, while Double/Imperial IPAs amplify both alcohol content and hop intensity.

IPAs remain a dominant and widely varied category in contemporary brewing, reflecting regional tastes and innovations in hopping techniques.