IPA

India Pale Ale, or IPA, is a popular and well-known beer style known for its strong hop flavor and high alcohol content. It originated in England in the 18th century and was heavily hoped to preserve the beer during the long voyage to colonial India. The hops used in the process act as a natural preservative, allowing the beer to survive the journey without spoiling.

These beers are known for their bold, bitter taste and often have fruity and piney hop aromas. They are typically amber to copper in color. India Pale Ales can have a medium to a high level of carbonation. The bitterness of this beer can range from moderate to very high. The alcohol content typically ranges from 5-7%. Some modern India Pale Ales are even more robust and can go up to 10% alcohol by volume.

IPAs can be divided into several subcategories, such as English IPA, American IPA, Double IPA, and Triple IPA. English IPAs have a more subdued hop character and are more balanced between hops and malt. American IPAs are more heavily hopped and have a more robust hop flavor and aroma. Double and Triple India Pale Ales are even more potent American India Pale Ale versions. The American India Pale Ale has even more hops and higher alcohol content.

One of the most popular and trending subcategories of this type of beer is the New England IPA or Hazy IPA. This style of India Pale Ale is known for its hazy, cloudy appearance and juicy, fruity flavors, resulting from using specific yeast strains and many late hop additions during brewing.