What beer style is an IPA?
IPA stands for India Pale Ale. It’s the style that has won the hearts of beer enthusiasts and is considered one of the best craft beers. It’s not only enjoyed in top beer bars, it has also made its way onto supermarket shelves. IPA‑style beers are top‑fermented beers (Ale), meaning the yeast works at higher temperatures than in bottom‑fermented beers (Lager).
IPAs are beers that use a larger amount of hops. Hops are a flower that imparts bitterness, aroma and flavor to beer. Depending on the varieties used, they can remind us of grass, pine or different fruits, for example. The use of hops became popular because it is a natural preservative. Along with a higher hop load, IPAs are more alcoholic beers. The level varies, but they are usually found between 6% and 8% ABV. However, each brewer makes this style in their own way. The basic idea is that an IPA is a bitter, aromatic and alcoholic beer.
The origins of IPA date back to the era of British imperialism. The story goes that the English shipped beer by boat from the British Isles to India. Beer is a perishable product under normal conditions, so it would spoil along the way. What solution did they come up with? Brew a beer with more alcohol and more hops so it would keep better. The result is a more flavorful and aromatic drink. In India, instead of diluting this beer with lower-quality beers or with water, the colonists enjoyed it straight. When they returned to England, English beers seemed too light by comparison.
This style has evolved and in recent years has enjoyed great popularity, especially in the United States. In a short time, almost every microbrewery in the world brews at least one IPA. However, as a developing phenomenon, IPA is evolving toward diversity. Thus, we find substyles such as American IPA (more heavily hopped), Double-Triple-Imperial IPA (stronger and more bitter), White IPA (with wheat), Black IPA (with dark malts), Session IPA (fruity and low in alcohol), etc.
The range of India Pale Ale styles is growing by the day. For example, over the last year, New England IPAs (hazy, fruity, and aromatic) have taken over the taps and shelves of specialty venues. Each brewery strives to differentiate its product, which means every IPA is unique. What will the evolution and trend be in 2018?
