In recent decades, IPA has surged in popularity, becoming the world’s most exciting and beloved beer style. But how did this transformation happen? Let’s dive into the history of IPA and evolution of this iconic brew.
Many believe British settlers brewed a special ale to survive the long journey to India. While this story holds some truth, historians argue that Porter, a higher-alcohol beer, was actually more popular at the time. Higher alcohol content helped preserve the beer during the long voyage.
What is the true history of IPA?
Another theory suggests that brewers initially created a strong, hoppy ale, intending to water it down to the ABV of an English Bitter. However, they enjoyed the original version so much that they decided to leave it as is.
The truth is that brewers in Burton upon Trent had already been experimenting with hops. They initially exported their beers to Russia, but when the tsar banned British imports in the early 1800s, they quickly found a new market – India. This led to the birth of the name India Pale Ale.
The first mention of “India Pale Ale” appeared in an Australian advertisement in 1829. The ad referred to it as “East India Pale Ale,” though the brewery wasn’t identified. This discovery shows that IPA has been around for a long time – so long that it almost disappeared from memory.
The American revival
By the late twentieth century, the history of IPA had faded into obscurity. But in the 1970s and 80s, American homebrewers rediscovered the style. They unearthed an old English IPA recipe and started experimenting. They swapped in local, fruitier hop varieties, unknowingly sparking a global beer revolution.
Modern IPAs have drastically evolved from the English versions. Brewers in the past added hops only for bitterness and aroma, but today, hops are added at every stage of brewing – boiling, cooling, fermentation, or even just before serving. Traditional English IPAs focused on balancing malt and bitterness, but American IPAs now emphasize hop-forward flavours. The goal is to highlight the vibrant aromas and flavours of tropical and citrus hops.
A World of IPA Styles
IPAs come in various forms. Typically, they range from 5.5% to 7.5% ABV. Stronger versions, known as Imperial or Double IPAs, pack more punch, while Session IPAs are lighter. Non-alcoholic IPAs are also now widely available.
Beyond alcohol content, American IPAs split into two main styles. West Coast IPAs deliver a crisp hop profile with citrus and pine notes, balanced by a sweeter malt backbone. New England or Hazy IPAs offer a juicy, tropical, and fruity character, with a smooth mouthfeel.
The IPA world keeps expanding. Brewers continue to push boundaries, creating countless sub-styles. From Farmhouse IPA to Sour IPA, Wheat IPA to Milkshake IPA (with lactose), there’s no limit to the variations of IPA. If an ingredient exists, someone’s probably brewed an IPA with it.
So, next time you sip an IPA, remember: you’re enjoying a beer with a rich history and an even brighter future. Don’t worry, be hoppy!
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