What Does IPA Stand For?

If you're a beer lover, you've probably come across the term IPA quite frequently when browsing through the vast selection of craft beers available today. But what exactly does IPA stand for, what is IPA and what makes an IPA beer so unique and popular among beer enthusiasts?

IPA Beer Meaning

IPA stands for India Pale Ale, a style of beer that originated in England in the 19th century. This beer style gained its name from the UK's efforts to brew a beer that could withstand the long journey from England to India during the British colonial era. The high hop content and increased alcohol levels in IPAs helped preserve the beer during the voyage, making it a preferred choice among British soldiers and traders stationed in India.

Fast forward to modern times and the term IPA has evolved over the years to encompass various subcategories, such as American IPA, Double IPA, and New England IPA, each offering its own distinct characteristics and flavour profiles. Whether you prefer a crisp and bitter West Coast IPA or a juicy and hazy New England IPA, there's an IPA out there for every palate.

How Is An IPA Brewed

So, how exactly is an IPA brewed? The brewing process for IPA is similar to that of other beer styles, but with a few key differences. Brewers start by mashing malted barley with hot water to create a sugary liquid called wort. This wort is then boiled and hops are added at various stages to impart bitterness, flavour, and aroma.

After boiling, the wort is chilled and yeast is added to kick off fermentation. For IPAs, brewers often use a specific strain of yeast that can handle the high alcohol content and intense hop character of the beer. As fermentation progresses, more hops may be added to accentuate the beer's hoppy profile.

Once fermentation is complete, the beer is typically aged for a few weeks to allow the flavours to meld and develop. Finally, the beer is carbonated and packaged for consumption, ready to be enjoyed by beer lovers around the world.

How Does An IPA Taste?

IPAs are known for their bold and hoppy flavour profile. They typically have a strong bitterness, which comes from the hops, but also a citrusy, floral, or piney aroma. The hoppy bitterness is balanced out by the malt sweetness, creating a complex and well-rounded flavour. Some IPAs may also have hints of tropical fruits, grapefruit, or even a slight spiciness.

IPAs come in a variety of substyles, such as American IPA, double IPA, session IPA, and New England IPA, each with its own unique characteristics. Whether you prefer a crisp and refreshing IPA or a more intense, hop-forward brew, there is likely an IPA out there that will suit your taste buds.

Explore IPA Beers

Ready to jump into the ever expanding world of IPA beers? Well then we have you covered, you can view a huge range of IPA craft beers online at Beer Merchants.

We source our selection from around the globe, importing only the best beers to stock up your fridge. Our range includes IPAs from renowned craft breweries such as Omnipollo, Cloudwater, Garage, Beavertown and loads more. 

Cheers!