IPA stands for India Pale Ale, which is a hoppy beer style within the broader category of pale ale. The style of pale ale which became known as India pale ale was widespread in England by 1815 and would grow in popularity, notably as an export beer shipped to India. During British colonial times, sailors were looking for a beer recipe that would be easy to preserve on the long trips from Britain to India. The weather in India was too hot and too wet to brew good beer, so brewers added more hops and alcohol to the beer to help preserve it.
IPAs come in a range of styles, and the modern approach to hoppy beer isnt a declaration of bitterness, but a beer that explores the world of hops. They are known for a bitter quality due to the higher than average amount of hops they contain, but there is so much more to them. Fruit and citrus notes abound in these beverages, and depending on what option you choose, you might find flavors of grapefruit, orange, and even earthier notes like pine.
There are different types of IPA beers, including double IPA, black IPA, New England style, West coast style, and session IPA. Double (or Imperial) India Pale Ales (IPAs) can resemble everything from a Pale Ale to a Barleywine, reserved International Bitterness Units (IBU) to hundreds, from pale to black in color. Session IPAs are designed for casual drinking sessions where total inebriation isn’t the goal. They’re less hoppy and contain a more sensible 4-5% ABV.
