India Pale Ale were widespread in England as early as 1815, their popularity grew once they were exported to India and beyond. So, what exactly is an IPA? IPAs were much more bitter and higher in alcohol than other beers made at this time.
So instead of having a history lesson today, I thought we should explore the vast world of IPAs, so that maybe, just maybe, you can find one you like. Please keep in mind that not all IPAs are bitter nor are they all high in alcohol.
To help you understand the world of IPAs, let start this the basic vocabulary:
Dry-Hopped – This is the process of steeping hops in fermenting beer, instead of adding them to the boil. This process creates amazing aromas while amplifying the flavor of the hop used (fruity, piney, candy, sweet). Dry Hopping makes the beer smell amazing without adding any bitterness.
Fresh-Hopped: You guys are smart, so I am sure you figured out that Fresh-hopped is the opposite of Dry-hopped. To qualify as a Fresh-hopped IPA, the hops must be harvested, travel to the brewery, and be added to the boil in under 24 hours. These beers go by other names such as Wet-hopped or Harvest Ales. Drink these brews fresh to experience the intense, fresh hop taste.
Single-Hopped: Most beers are a combination of hops for the same reasons you use multiple spices in a marinade. A single-hopped IPA highlights one hop variety and there are oh so many varieties and flavor profiles.
Styles
British IPA (the Original) - British IPAs are malty, bitter, and one-noted. They aren’t the most popular style today, but it’s important to know one when you see it. These are best consumed on some kind of a cliff with sea mist spraying in your face.
West Coast IPA (Balanced Bitterness) West Coast IPAs started the North American IPA revolution by exploring the rowdy, bold flavors of hops. West Coast IPAs are bitter but not as bitter as their British cousin.
New England IPA (The IPA for the “I don’t like an IPA” crowd) Juicy, Hazy or NEIPA, what every you want to call them, these are the IPAs with fruity notes and floral aromas.
Double/Imperial (DIPA) – These are the heavy hitters! These IPA’s have a higher hop concentration and to balance all that hoppy bitterness, more malt needs to be used and more malt means more alcohol. DIPA’s run at 7% and higher. If the ABV runs over 10%, you have now entered the world of Triple IPAs. Consume with caution as many of these brews are so well balanced, they are very easy to drink, and one may taste like two.
Session (ISA – India Session Ale) – These would be the opposite of a DIPA! Session IPA’s fall between 4 – 5%. With, lower alcohol comes with a thinner body which makes these beers very drinkable, some might even say crushable.
Black IPA (The Dark One) – Black IPAs are one of the newcomers to the scene are are also known as Cascadian Dark Ales or CDAs. These brews are bitter like a North West IPA but boast a dark hue due to the roasted malts used.
Milkshake IPA (A Milkshake what?) – In the simplest terms a Milkshake IPA is a NEIPA brewed with milk sugar and fruit. Combine these ingredients and a juicy NEIPA and the beer takes on a smooth and delightful mouthfeel, similar to the sensation you get from a milk stout.
Yes, I know there are many other IPAs, such as Sour IPA, Belgian IPA, Smoothie IPA, Brut IPA, the list goes on and on and I only have limited space to babble. I hope this information will help you find an enjoyable IPA, but if not, today is International Beer Day, so grab your favorite brew and raise it high to celebrate all beers from around the world!
Well-heeled Libationist