Curious about IPAs, pale ales, and how they compare to lagers? This quick guide explains the key differences, highlights popular IPA styles, and shows how to enjoy hop-forward beers — with a recommendation for a citrusy, floral option that captures modern American hop character.
What is an IPA?
IPA stands for India Pale Ale. It’s a hop-forward ale style known for pronounced hop aromas, flavors and a noticeable bitterness that can range from moderate to intense. Originating from British pale ales, modern IPAs evolved particularly in the United States with new hop varieties that bring citrus, pine, resin, tropical fruit and floral notes. IPAs can vary in color and body but often emphasize hop character over malt sweetness.
Common IPA substyles
- American IPA — bright hop bitterness, citrus and pine notes.
- New England (Hazy) IPA — juicy, soft mouthfeel, low perceived bitterness, intense fruity aroma.
- West Coast IPA — clear, crisp, assertive bitterness, pine/citrus hops.
- Double/Imperial IPA — higher alcohol and intensified hop profile.
- Session IPA — lower alcohol, hop-forward but lighter body.
IPA vs Lager
Understanding the difference helps pick the right beer for the moment:
- Yeast and fermentation: IPAs are ales fermented with top-fermenting ale yeast at warmer temps; lagers use bottom-fermenting yeast at cooler temps.
- Flavor: IPAs are hop-forward (bitter, aromatic); lagers are typically cleaner, crisper and malt- or yeast-driven with less hop intensity.
- Appearance: Both can be clear or hazy, but traditional lagers are clear and pale, whereas IPAs vary widely.
- When to choose: Pick an IPA for bold hop flavor and a lager for refreshment and subtlety.
What is a Pale Ale?
Pale ale is a family of beers that balances malt and hops, generally less aggressive than an IPA. American Pale Ale (APA) typically showcases American hop varieties — citrus, floral, resinous — but with a more pronounced malt backbone and lower bitterness than an IPA. Pale ales are versatile and approachable for many drinkers.
APA vs IPA
How they compare at a glance:
- Hops: Both use similar hop varieties, but IPAs typically have more hops (and hop intensity) than APAs.
- Bitterness and ABV: IPAs generally have higher bitterness units (IBUs) and often higher alcohol by volume than APAs.
- Mouthfeel: APAs are usually lighter and more malt-balanced; IPAs can be fuller-bodied (especially double or hazy versions).
IPA Beer List: Styles and to-try suggestions
If you want to explore IPAs, consider starting with one example from each style:
- Session IPA — for low-ABV hop enjoyment.
- American IPA — classic citrus and pine hop profile.
- West Coast IPA — dry, bold bitterness and resinous hops.
- New England IPA — juicy, tropical, soft mouthfeel.
- Double/Imperial IPA — for intense hop and alcohol experience.
How to taste and pair an IPA
- Glassware and temp: Use a tulip or IPA glass; serve slightly cool (8–12°C / 46–54°F) to reveal aroma and flavor.
- Tasting focus: Smell deeply to identify citrus, floral, resin, or tropical fruit notes; note bitterness, body, and finish.
- Food pairings: Spicy foods (Thai, Mexican), grilled meats, sharp cheeses, and citrus-forward salads work well.
Why try a citrus-floral IPA?
If you love beers where citrus and floral hop aromas lead the way, look for brews featuring hops like Simcoe and Mosaic — they bring bright orange, grapefruit, tropical fruit and delicate floral notes. For a ready example that balances moderate bitterness, soft medium body and a dry finish with persistent white foam and a golden pour, try
as a tasty introduction to this flavor profile.
Quick tips
- Start with an APA or Session IPA if you’re new to hoppy beers.
- Ask about the hop varieties used — names like Simcoe, Mosaic, Citra or Amarillo give clues to the flavor.
- Pair IPAs with bold or spicy foods to balance their bitterness and aromatic lift.
With these basics, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right IPA for your taste — whether you prefer bright citrus, floral complexity, or juicy tropical hops.
