What Is IPA Anyway?
IPA - What is it anyway?
We are big fans of the craft cult favourite, and have been brewing different types of IPA’s for years.
With IPA day coming up we thought it would be a great idea to talk about all things Indian Pale Ale - its history, unique characteristics, and the reasons behind its popularity.
"IPA" stands for "India Pale Ale” which is a style of beer that originated in England in the 19th century.
The tale of IPA beer begins during the British colonial era, British troops stationed in India craved a taste of home. However, the long sea voyage from England to India posed a challenge for preserving the beer's quality during transportation.
The British troops were problem solvers, so of course they figured a way out to preserve the beer during transport - brewers started making a higher-alcohol and heavily-hopped beer, as the hops acted as a natural preservative.
When we think of IPAs now we immediately think of their strong flavour. They are known for their hops and aromas, which can vary from mildly hoppy to intensely bitter and aromatic, depending on the specific recipe. They typically have a higher alcohol content compared to other beer styles, often ranging from 5.5% to 7.5% or even higher in some cases.
Within the category of IPAs, there are several substyles, such as American IPA, English IPA, Double IPA (DIPA), and New England IPA (NEIPA), each with its own unique characteristics.
American IPA tends to emphasise hoppy flavours with a citrusy, piney, or floral character.
English IPA leans more towards a balanced profile with a moderate hop bitterness and malt sweetness.
Double IPA, also known as Imperial IPA, is a stronger and more intensely hopped version of a traditional IPA.
New England IPA is a hazy and less bitter variation of IPA, often featuring a juicy and fruity hop character.
So, if you're a seasoned IPA enthusiast or a curious beer explorer we have lots of different recipes for you to try and brew, including the Salty Sea Dog, Aussie Stalker, and Kissin a Cougar.
What’s the best way to appreciate an IPA - by drinking it of course. It’s even better when you’ve made it yourself. If you need any tips on how to rule your craft and master the art of brewing an IPA, we are here to help.
Cheers