what is an imperial ipa

An Imperial IPA, also known as a Double IPA, is a type of India Pale Ale that has a much more robust profile of malts and hops, resulting in higher alcohol content. The Brewers Association defines an Imperial IPA as an IPA with color that is straw to medium amber, 6.0%-8.4% alcohol, with hop aromas and flavors that are very high, but not aggressively bitter. However, in general, an Imperial IPA will contain more alcohol, with any IPA going above 7.5% considered an Imperial. The IBU level, which is a measure of how bitter a beer is, is also higher in an Imperial IPA. An Imperial IPA is darker and more bitter than a traditional IPA. Some breweries have taken this even further, moving into Triple and Quad IPAs, which are very strong beers best consumed in smaller quantities.