The IPA, or India Pale Ale, is a type of beer that is characterised by its hoppy flavour and high bitterness. It is a popular style of craft beer that has a long and storied history, and has undergone a number of changes over the years. Here is everything you need to know about the IPA beer style, including its history, characteristics, and some fun facts:
- The history of the IPA:
The IPA style of beer was first developed in the 18th century in England. It was created as a way to preserve beer during the long sea voyage from England to India, as regular beer would spoil during the journey due to the warm temperatures and rough conditions. The solution was to brew a stronger, hoppier beer that would have a longer shelf life. The extra hops in the IPA acted as a natural preservative, helping the beer to stay fresh for the duration of the voyage.
According to the book "Brewing in Cleveland" by Carl H. Miller, the first IPA was brewed by George Hodgson's Bow Brewery in East London in the late 1700s. The IPA became popular with British troops stationed in India, and the style soon spread to other parts of the world.
- The characteristics of the IPA:
IPAs are known for their strong, hoppy flavour and high bitterness. The bitterness is usually achieved through the use of hops, which are flowers that are added to the brewing process to give beer its characteristic bitterness and aroma. IPAs generally have a higher alcohol content than other beer styles, ranging from 5-7% ABV.
In terms of appearance, IPAs can range in colour from golden to amber to copper, and are usually hazy due to the high amount of hops and malt used in the brewing process. They often have a thick, creamy head and a medium to full body.
- The different types of IPA:
There are several different types of IPA, each with its own unique characteristics and flavours. Some of the most popular types of IPA include:
- English IPA: This type of IPA is characterised by its malty, biscuit-like flavour and lower hop bitterness compared to other IPAs. It is usually amber or copper in colour and has a medium to full body.
- American IPA: This type of IPA is characterised by its strong, citrusy and piney hop flavours, and high bitterness. It is usually golden to amber in colour and has a medium to full body.
- Double/Imperial IPA: This type of IPA is characterised by its intense hop flavour and high alcohol content, usually around 8% ABV or higher. It is usually amber to copper in colour and has a full body.
- Session IPA: This type of IPA is characterised by its low alcohol content, usually around 4-5% ABV, and lower hop bitterness compared to other IPAs. It is usually golden to amber in colour and has a medium to full body.
- New England IPA: This type of IPA is characterised by its hazy, opaque appearance and juicy, tropical fruit flavours. It has a medium to full body and a lower hop bitterness compared to other IPAs.
- Fun facts about the IPA:
- The IPA was first brewed in the 18th century as a way to preserve beer during the long sea voyage from England to India.
- The extra hops in the IPA acted as a natural preservative, helping the beer to stay fresh for the duration of the voyage.
- The IPA has undergone a number of changes over the years, with different types of IPA emerging, including English, American, Double/Imperial, Session, and New England IPA.
