IPA beers have become increasingly popular over the years, with many beer enthusiasts enjoying the unique flavors and aromas that they offer. IPA, which stands for India Pale Ale, is a type of beer that is characterized by its hoppy flavor and aroma. While all IPAs share this common trait, there are many different types of IPA beers that offer unique tastes and aromas.

History of IPA Beers

India pale ale (IPA) is a beer style that originated in England in the 19th century. The beer was created to withstand long voyages from England to India, where British troops and expatriates demanded beer with a higher alcohol content and more hops to survive the journey.

The first recorded shipment of IPA to India was in 1827 by George Hodgson of the Bow Brewery in London. Hodgson’s beer was brewed with extra hops and a higher alcohol content to help the beer survive the six-month journey to India. The beer was a hit with British troops and expatriates, and soon other breweries began to produce their own versions of the beer.

As the popularity of IPA grew, brewers began to experiment with different hop varieties and brewing techniques to create new and unique versions of the beer. In the United States, the West Coast IPA emerged in the 1990s, characterized by its strong hop flavor and aroma.

Today, IPA is one of the most popular beer styles in the world, with a wide range of variations and sub-styles, including English IPA, American IPA, Belgian IPA, and many more. Despite its evolution over the years, IPA remains a beloved beer style that pays homage to its rich history and cultural significance.

Types of IPA Beers

1)   Classic English IPA

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English IPA is the classic style that started it all. It is a hoppy beer that uses exclusively English varieties of hops, such as Fuggles and Goldings, for a grassy, earthy, and light citrus character. It is usually golden brown in color and has a very dry finish, with an ABV of 6–7%.

The English IPA is a well-balanced beer that is not too bitter or too sweet. It has a medium body with a moderate carbonation level. It is a great beer to pair with spicy food, grilled meats, and strong cheeses.

English IPA is a beer that is steeped in history. It was originally brewed in England in the 18th century and was exported to India to quench the thirst of British soldiers stationed there. The high alcohol content and hoppy flavor helped preserve the beer on the long journey.

Today, English IPA is still a popular beer style. It is a great beer to drink on a hot summer day or to warm up on a cold winter night. It is a beer that is loved by beer enthusiasts all over the world.

2)   American IPA

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American IPA is a popular beer style that has taken the world by storm. It is a hoppy and bitter beer that is brewed using American hops. This style of beer is known for its bold and assertive flavors, which are derived from the use of high-quality hops.

West Coast IPA

West Coast IPA is a sub-style of American IPA that originated in California. This style of beer is known for its intense hop aroma and flavor, which are derived from the use of American hops. West Coast IPAs are typically brewed with a high hop-to-malt ratio, resulting in a beer that is very bitter and dry.

East Coast IPA

East Coast IPA is another sub-style of American IPA that originated on the East Coast of the United States. This style of beer is known for its balance between hops and malt. East Coast IPAs are typically brewed with a lower hop-to-malt ratio, resulting in a beer that is less bitter and more balanced.

Midwest IPA

Midwest IPA is a sub-style of American IPA that is brewed in the Midwest region of the United States. This style of beer is known for its balance between hop bitterness and malt sweetness. Midwest IPAs are typically brewed with a moderate hop-to-malt ratio, resulting in a beer that is well-balanced and easy to drink.

3)   Double or Imperial IPA

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Double or Imperial IPA is a sub-style of IPA that has a higher alcohol content, a more robust body, and increased hop bitterness, aroma, and flavor compared to a regular IPA.

To be considered a Double or Imperial IPA, the beer must have an ABV of at least 7.5%, with some versions reaching up to 10% or higher. This higher alcohol content is achieved by using more malted grains in the recipe, which also gives the beer a fuller body and a darker color.

Double or Imperial IPAs also use more hops than regular IPAs, resulting in a more intense bitterness that can be overwhelming if not balanced with malt or other ingredients. The hop varieties used in Double or Imperial IPAs often have fruity, floral, or citrusy notes, which complement the higher alcohol content and fuller body of the beer.

One key difference between Double or Imperial IPA and regular IPA is the amount of malt used in the recipe. Double or Imperial IPAs use more malted grains to achieve a higher alcohol content, while regular IPAs use less malt and have a lighter body and lower alcohol content.

4)   Session IPA

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Session IPAs are a relatively new style of beer that has gained popularity in recent years. They are known for their lower alcohol content and lighter body compared to traditional IPAs, making them more sessionable or easier to drink over a longer period of time.

What Makes a Session IPA?

There are a few key characteristics that define a session IPA. First and foremost, they are hop-forward beers, meaning that the hops are the primary flavor and aroma components. However, unlike traditional IPAs, session IPAs have a lower alcohol content, typically in the range of 3.5% to 5.5% ABV. This makes them more approachable for drinkers who want to enjoy a hoppy beer without getting too intoxicated.

Another defining characteristic of session IPAs is their light body. They are typically brewed with a lower amount of malt than traditional IPAs, which gives them a lighter mouthfeel and allows the hops to shine through. They are also often brewed with a variety of hop varieties to create a complex and well-rounded flavor profile.

5)   New England IPA

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New England IPA, also known as Hazy IPA or Juicy IPA, is a relatively new style of IPA that originated in the Northeastern United States. It is characterized by its hazy appearance, low bitterness, and juicy, fruity flavors.

New England IPAs are known for their hazy appearance, which is achieved through the use of certain brewing techniques such as dry hopping and not filtering the beer. The haze is caused by the presence of suspended yeast and hop particles in the beer, which can give it a cloudy or murky appearance.

One of the defining characteristics of New England IPA is its juicy, fruity flavor. This is achieved through the use of certain hop varieties, such as Citra, Mosaic, and Galaxy, which are known for their tropical fruit flavors. In addition, New England IPAs are often brewed with high-protein grains such as wheat and oats, which can contribute to a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.

New England IPAs pair well with a variety of foods, including spicy dishes, grilled meats, and rich, creamy cheeses. The fruity, juicy flavors of the beer can help to balance out the heat of spicy foods, while the low bitterness can complement the richness of creamy cheeses.

6)   Belgian IPA

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Belgian IPAs are a relatively recent addition to the IPA family. They are characterized by their hoppy, fruity, and spicy flavor profiles. These beers are medium-bodied and have an ABV range of 6.0% to 11%.

Belgian IPAs are brewed with Belgian yeast varieties that give a pronounced crisp, dry finish with hints of clove. They tend to be cloudy, with a very billowy head, and higher in ABV. This style is a hybrid of the classic Belgian beer style and the American IPA style.

Belgian IPAs also tend to have a cleaner bitterness compared to American IPAs, and a pronounced dry edge, akin to an IPA crossed with a Belgian Tripel. Many examples of this style are quite cloudy and feature tight lacing, excellent head retention, and fantastic billowy heads that mesmerize (thanks, in part, to the hops).

7)   Black IPA

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Black IPA, also known as Cascadian Dark Ale, is a relatively new style of beer that emerged in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States in the early 2000s. It is a hybrid of two popular beer styles: India Pale Ale and Stout. Black IPA is characterized by its dark color, roasted malt flavor, and hoppy bitterness.

Black IPAs are brewed with dark malts, which give the beer its black color and roasted flavor. The dark malts also provide a slight sweetness to balance out the bitterness from the hops. Hops are added during the brewing process to give Black IPA its distinctive hoppy aroma and flavor. The bitterness level is usually high, but not as high as a traditional IPA.

Black IPAs have a medium body and a moderate to high alcohol content. They are often described as having a complex flavor profile with notes of chocolate, coffee, and citrus. They are best served at a temperature between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit in a tulip or snifter glass.

8)   White IPA

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White IPA is a relatively new beer style that emerged from the blending of two distinct beer styles, the American IPA and the wheat-based Belgian Wit. This hybrid beer has the refreshing and spicy presence of a Belgian Wit and the high hop character of an American IPA.

White IPA is brewed with a combination of wheat and barley malts, which gives it a hazy appearance and a smooth mouthfeel. The beer is then heavily hopped with American hops, which gives it a citrusy, floral, and piney aroma and flavor.

White IPA has a moderate to high alcohol content, with an average ABV of around 5.5% to 7%. It has a medium to high bitterness level, with an IBU range of 40 to 70. The beer is usually served in a tulip or pint glass at a temperature of around 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

9)   Red IPA

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Red IPA is a type of beer that is characterized by its reddish hue, which comes from the use of darker malts in the brewing process. This style of beer is a hybrid of American IPA and American Amber, and it has a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other types of IPAs.

Red IPA is known for its bold hoppy features, which come from the use of a variety of hops. Some of the most common hops used in Red IPA include Chinook, Columbus, and Centennial. These hops provide a distinctive pop of grapefruit and pine that is sure to please any hop lover.

One of the earliest commercially offered Red IPAs is Sockeye Red from Midnight Sun Brewery in Anchorage, Alaska. This beer has won numerous awards for its exceptional flavor and balance, and it is widely considered to be one of the best examples of the style.

Red IPA is a relatively new style of beer, and it is not yet recognized as an official style by the Beer Judge Certification Program. However, it has gained a loyal following among craft beer enthusiasts who appreciate its unique flavor and character.

10) Rye IPA

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Rye IPA is a type of India Pale Ale that includes rye malt in the brewing process. This addition of rye malt provides a unique flavor profile to the beer, adding a spicy, earthy note to the hoppy bitterness of the IPA. Rye IPAs are known for their complex, bold flavors and are a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts.

Rye IPAs typically have an alcohol content ranging from 6% to 8% ABV and are brewed using a combination of hops, malt, and rye. The use of rye malt in the brewing process can make the beer more challenging to brew, as rye has a tendency to gum up the brewing equipment. However, the extra effort is worth it, as the resulting beer is a delicious and unique take on the classic IPA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different styles of IPA?

There are many different styles of IPA, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some of the most popular styles include English IPA, West Coast IPA, New England IPA, and Belgian IPA. Other styles include Black IPA, White IPA, Red IPA, and Rye IPA. Each style has its own unique blend of hops, malts, and yeast, which gives it its distinct flavor.

Which IPA style is the most popular?

The popularity of IPA styles can vary depending on the region and personal preference. However, the West Coast IPA and New England IPA are two of the most popular styles in the United States. The West Coast IPA is known for its strong hop flavor and bitterness, while the New England IPA is known for its hazy appearance and juicy, fruity flavor.

What is the meaning of IPA?

IPA stands for India Pale Ale. It is a type of beer that is brewed with a high amount of hops, which gives it a bitter flavor and aroma. The name “India Pale Ale” comes from the beer’s origins in the 18th century, when it was brewed in England and shipped to India for British soldiers.

How many types of IPA beers are there?

There are many different types of IPA beers, each with its own unique flavor and aroma. Some of the most popular styles include English IPA, West Coast IPA, New England IPA, and Belgian IPA. Other styles include Black IPA, White IPA, Red IPA, and Rye IPA. In total, there are over 20 different types of IPA beers.

Conclusion

There are several types of IPA beers available in the market, each with its unique flavor and aroma. From the classic West Coast IPA to the hazy New England IPA, there is an IPA for every beer enthusiast.

It is important to note that IPAs are generally high in alcohol content and bitterness, so it is advisable to consume them in moderation. Additionally, beer drinkers should be aware of their alcohol tolerance and avoid driving after consuming too much alcohol.

IPAs are a great choice for those who enjoy hoppy and bitter beers. With the variety of IPA styles available, there is always something new to try and enjoy. So, next time you visit a brewery or a bar, be sure to explore the different types of IPAs and find your favorite.

Related Posts

If you’re a fan of IPA beers, you might also enjoy reading about other types of alcoholic beverages. Here are a few related posts that you might find interesting:

• 12 Drams of Christmas #2: Chichibu IPA Cask Finish: This post from The Whisky Lady features a Japanese whisky that has been finished in an IPA cask. It’s a unique twist on both whisky and IPA, and it might be worth a try if you’re looking for something new.
• Where to enjoy a good dram in Glasgow?: If you’re a fan of IPAs, you might also enjoy a good dram of whisky. This post from The Whisky Lady provides some recommendations for places to enjoy a good whisky in Glasgow.
• 7 Questions for Craft Beer Revolution Festival’s founder (EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY): This interview with the founder of the Craft Beer Revolution Festival might be of interest to IPA fans who are curious about the craft beer scene.
• How is whisky doing as a Travel Retail libation?: This post from The Whisky Lady takes a look at the state of whisky in the travel retail market. If you’re curious about how whisky is sold in airports and other travel hubs, this might be worth a read.
• 5 barrel-aged beers you need to try: Barrel-aged beers are a unique twist on traditional IPAs, and this post from The Whisky Lady highlights some of the best barrel-aged beers out there. If you’re looking for something new to try, this might be a good place to start.