What is an IPA?

India Pale Ale, widely known as IPA, is a popular beer style that has garnered a significant following among craft beer enthusiasts. Characterized by its hoppy flavor and higher alcohol content, IPA has evolved through the years from its historical origins to a diverse range of styles that cater to various palates. This article aims to delve into the history of IPAs, trace their evolution, and provide a comprehensive list of 15 distinct IPA styles.

The roots of IPA can be traced back to the early 19th century in England, a time when beer was being brewed with a greater emphasis on hops. The term "India Pale Ale" was coined during the period when British merchants and brewers were exporting beers to India for their expatriate community.

1. **Origins**: The IPA style originated from pale ales brewed in England, characterized by their use of pale malt and hops. The introduction of hops not only enhanced flavor but also acted as a preservative during long sea voyages.

2. **The Alderman’s Pale Ale**: A notable figure in brewing history, George Hodgson, was instrumental in popularizing pale ales for the Indian market by marketing his beer to British expatriates. This beer contained a higher hop content, which preserved the beer quality during transit.

3. **The Industrial Revolution**: With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, brewing techniques evolved, and larger breweries emerged. This led to the mass production of traditional IPAs and an increase in hop varieties.

4. **Craft Beer Revolution**: The late 20th century marked the craft beer revolution, where small breweries began to experiment with traditional styles, reintroducing diverse flavors and creating a resurgence of interest in IPAs. Today, IPAs are one of the most brewed styles worldwide, reflecting a continuum of innovation and creativity.

IPAs are now one of the most versatile and varied beer styles, encompassing numerous sub-styles. Here's a list of 15 notable IPA styles:

1. **American IPA**: Bold hop bitterness with citrus and pine flavors, showcasing typical American hop varieties.

2. **New England IPA (NEIPA)**: Known for its hazy appearance, juicy mouthfeel, and low bitterness, it often features fruity hop aromas.

3. **Double IPA (DIPA)**: A stronger version of the American IPA, with higher alcohol content and intense hop flavors.

4. **Session IPA**: A lower-alcohol IPA designed for easy drinking, maintaining hoppy characteristics while being more sessionable.

5. **West Coast IPA**: Crisp and clear, this IPA is known for its strong bitterness and distinct pine and resin aromas.

6. **Black IPA**: Combining the roasted malt flavors of stouts with the hoppy characteristics of IPAs, offering a complex profile.

7. **Belgian IPA**: Fusing Belgian yeast characteristics with hoppy aromas, producing spicy and fruity notes balanced by hop bitterness.

8. **Tropical IPA**: Focuses on tropical fruit flavors, often highlighting hops with notes of pineapple, mango, and guava.

9. **Red IPA**: Brings together the malt-forward characteristics of a red ale with hoppy elements, creating a balance of caramel sweetness and hop bitterness.

10. **Milkshake IPA**: This unique style incorporates lactose for a creamy mouthfeel and a sweet finish, often infused with fruits.

11. **Mosaic IPA**: Featuring the Mosaic hop variety, known for its complex profile, combining berry, tropical fruit, and earthy flavors.

12. **Rye IPA**: Brewed with rye malt, adding a spicy and robust quality to the hoppy IPA base.

13. **Brut IPA**: A dry-hopped style that focuses on achieving a bone-dry finish and a champagne-like effervescence.

14. **White IPA**: A hybrid style that combines the characteristics of a Belgian Witbier with hoppy flavors reminiscent of an IPA.

15. **English IPA**: A more malt-forward take on the traditional IPA, with lower hop bitterness and a balanced profile.

IPAs have a rich history intertwined with the development of brewing techniques and the love for hops. From their origins as a preserved beverage for British colonists in India to the wide variety of styles enjoyed today, IPAs signify both tradition and innovation in the craft beer world. With a plethora of sub-styles available, there is an IPA to suit every palate, making them a cornerstone of the modern beer movement. As craft brewers continue to push the boundaries of what IPAs can be, the future promises even more exciting developments in this ever-evolving beer style.