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India Pale Ale (IPA)

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IPA (Indian Pale Ale)

IPA beer is a good example of a contemporary, very popular type of beer. IPA (India Pale Ale), a special name, with an even more historic past. But how did IPA beer actually get this name? And what makes this type of beer so special? We take you into the world of IPA beer!

What is IPA beer?

IPA stands for India Pale Ale. A larger amount of hops is added to this originally English beer type than to lager, which ensures that this beer type has a more bitter character. IPA is also characterized by its fruity flavors, which nuance the bitter notes. The alcohol percentage is between 5% and 7,5%. But the amount of alcohol in an Imperial IPA is often higher.

History of IPA beer

The abbreviation IPA stands for 'India Pale Ale'. This is also pronounced as: ij-pie-eej or simply ie-pa.

Originally IPA beer from England and this type of beer owes its name to the heyday of English colonialism. According to history, the English aristocrats, who kept order in India, longed for the beer from home. But these beers could not be shipped, because of the 4-month sea voyages and the limited shelf life. Despite several attempts, the English failed to transport the beers of the right quality. British brewer George Hodgson of the Bow Brewery came up with the great idea of ​​brewing the beer with a higher alcohol content and adding extra hops, which made the beers last longer. Alcohol and hops are natural preservatives. And so it happened. The Pale Ale kept longer and could satisfy the needs of the English aristocrats. In India, English beer was suddenly drunk in abundance. Logically, this type of beer was therefore given the name 'India Pale Ale'.

In retrospect, it turned out that at that time there were already other types of beer that could handle the sea voyage. It also emerged that George Hodgson was not the first to brew Pale Ale for India. But because his brewery was on the shipping route, he was the most popular brewer. So let's leave the legend alone and stick to this iconic story about IPA.

Today, IPA beer is one of the most consumed specialty beers worldwide. From the United States to Canada to England, Ireland and Australia. Everyone recognizes the popularity of IPA and every brewery has its own variant(s) on the market.

brewing process

Although George Hodgson brewed IPA beer with a higher alcohol content, this is not what makes an India Pale Ale so special. Nowadays, the type of beer is also brewed with alcohol percentages that are equal to the normal lager. No, the magic ingredient in an IPA is hops. IPA contains much more hops than other beers. This ensures that IPA beer smells very good (think of tropical fruits, for example), while the taste is quite bitter. This particular combination is what is so addictive about IPA beer, so be warned!

“Remarkable: An IPA does not come from India, but was brought there.”

3 different styles

The India Pale Ale is originally English, but this is also one of the largest types of beer in America.

  • English IPA beer: It all started with this beer style. There have been many variations on this over the years. English IPA beer often has a fruity and roasted balanced taste. The reason for this is because malt plays a leading role and not too much aromatic hops are used.
  • American IPA beer: This beer style is often brewed with American hops. This often gives the American IPA a pronounced hoppy taste. Malt plays a supporting role in American IPA beer. The leading role in this beer style is played by citrus aromas and tropical fruits.
  • Imperial IPA beer: this beer style is also called double IPA beer. Imperial IPA beer is stronger and contains even more hops than other IPA beers. The alcohol percentage of this beer is often above 7,5%. Imperial IPA is known for its fresh hop taste and is also an American version of this beer.

What goes well with an IPA beer?

Due to the addition of the large amount of hops, IPA beer is a bitter type of beer. Fortunately, the hops also provide a fruity and tropical taste. Excellent flavors that complement each other perfectly. IPA beer tastes good with:

  • Strong, spicy flavors like in a curry.
  • Blue cheese: The spicy aroma of the hops goes very well with the complex taste of a blue cheese.
  • Carrot cake: IPA beer is excellent to combine with a dessert, for example try combining it with carrot cake.

Are you 18 years or older?

We do not sell under the age of 18.