The History and Basics of IPA Beer

India Pale Ale (IPA) is a beer style associated with the United Kingdom that has grown to be a global favorite among craft beer lovers. IPAs have a considerable history and are known for their dominant, hoppy flavor and distinctive aroma. This beer style is unique, and understanding the basics will help you pick the right beers to suit your taste. Keep reading to learn more about the origins and flavors of IPA beer.

Origin of IPA Beer

The name “India Pale Ale” dates back to the 18th century, when the British developed this type of beer specifically for export to their colonies in India. At that time, transportation was limited and beer was a precious commodity, so great consideration was put into producing a beer that could survive the long voyage. This beer was brewed with more hops than regular ales to act as a preservative. Additionally, brewers increased the beer’s alcohol content, giving IPA a much higher abv than other beers at the time. The result was a relatively durable beer with a unique flavor profile.

Flavors of IPA Beer

The defining characteristic of IPA beer is its intense hop flavor. In IPAs, the hops are added both to the boil and afterwards to enhance the aroma, as with most craft beers. The hops used in IPA beers produce bold, bitter flavors that linger on your tongue. Since modern beer brewing technology has evolved, these beers can now feature delicate and more highly sought-after hop flavors like citrus and floral, as well as other unique flavors like coffee and coconut.

IPA Beer Today

IPA beers remain a global favorite among craft beer lovers. In the United States, IPAs are one of the most popular and widely produced style of craft beer, with numerous breweries offering a range of IPA recipes. New and old IPAs alike come in a range of flavors, from session IPA and New England IPA to classic west-coast IPAs. There are also plenty of hybrid styles that combine ideas from different beer styles, such as DIPA (double India Pale Ale) or black IPAs. The range of flavors and stylesIPA now provides a great selection for beer lovers to explore.

No matter what kind of IPA you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find something to please your taste buds. Whether you’re a newcomer to craft beer or a seasoned IPA connoisseur, this beer style will offer you plenty of great drinking experiences.