In the world of craft beer, one style stands out as the favourite for many. IPA, or India Pale Ale, has quite the devoted following. Wondering why this particular type of beer is so popular? Let’s take a closer look at this hoppy brew to understand more.
What is IPA?
Short for India Pale Ale, IPA is a type of beer that is known for its higher hops content. The name itself comes from the historical journey of the beer when it was first brewed.
Pale ale has traveled the world since the British colonial era. The drink was most often shipped from England to India, undergoing a long voyage. To preserve the beer throughout the journey, brewers would add extra hops, which act as a natural preservative. This resulted in a hoppier and stronger ale that became a hit in both India and England.
Today, IPA has evolved into one of the most popular craft beer styles globally.
IPA’s signature taste
Thanks to the additional hops, IPA’s main flavour profile is its hoppy bitterness, often containing notes of citrus, pine, or florals.
Over the years, brewers have also experimented with different flavours, and today you might even find IPAs with tropical fruits, herbal, or earthy undertones.
Types of IPA
Contrary to common misconceptions, IPA is not always super bitter. If you’re not a fan of the bitter taste of hops, don’t worry! There are plenty of different varieties of IPAs available and you’re sure to find the one that suits your tastebuds best. Variations on the IPA include:
- American IPA: often contains higher amounts of alcohol, American IPA is strong, citrusy, and typically quite bitter.
- New England IPA: for a smoother, juicier beer, opt for the New England IPA. It’s hazier in appearance but less bitter in taste, containing fruity hop flavours and offering a fresh option.
- Double IPA: if you’re looking for a stronger beer, the Double IPA is a hopped-up version of the classic. Its intense hop contents makes it a favourite among hop lovers.
- Session IPA: concerned about alcohol content? The Session IPA is your best friend. It’s a lighter option with lower ABV but all the flavours of a regular IPA, making it perfect for drinking over a longer period of time.
How did IPA get so popular?
IPA has become a cornerstone of the craft beer industry, especially since the rise of craft breweries, particularly in the United States. The craft beer revolution as of late saw brewers experimenting with different ingredients, especially hops. This is why IPA is gaining popularity at the moment. IPA became the go-to style for those looking for something familiar with a twist, leading to an explosion of creativity in the beer world.
Most fans enjoy IPA for its boldness and diversity of flavours, and with so many varieties, there’s always something new to try.
So what’s next for IPA beer? In the ever-evolving landscape, brewers are constantly finding new ways to tweak and experiment with styles of beer. From low-alcohol IPA to using different hop varieties, the possibilities are endless! IPA doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, and fans can expect to see more innovation in the near future.
Whether you’re a seasoned IPA lover or just dipping your toes into the world of craft beer, there’s no denying the impact IPA has had on the beer industry. So next time you’re at the bar or your favourite craft beer joint, why not try a new type of IPA and see which one becomes your new favourite?
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