Samuel Smith’s India Pale Ale: the historic English IPA on Maltese
Toasty malts, notes of lemon, orange, herbs, tea, and spices — Samuel Smith’s Brewery India Pale Ale shows what IPAs used to be like: balanced between malt and hops, with an authentic and recognizable British character. Available online on Maltese with shipping throughout Italy.
🛒 Discover Samuel Smith’s India Pale Ale on Maltese
IPA: what it means and where it comes from
IPA stands for India Pale Ale — a variant of Pale Ale born in the 18th–19th century in England, originally formulated to withstand the long journeys to India thanks to increased hopping. Today it refers to a broad family of hoppy beers with very different styles.
English IPA vs American IPA vs NEIPA: the differences
- English IPA (Samuel Smith’s): balanced, toasty malts, British hops (herbs, tea, moderate citrus) — the historic and traditional IPA
- American IPA: aggressive American hops, citrus and tropical fruit, more pronounced bitterness
- New England / Hazy IPA: hazy, smooth, intense fruity aromas, mild bitterness — UD-40 by Birra Gaia
- Session IPA: hoppy but with low ABV (3.5–5%) for longer drinking
- Double/Imperial IPA: amplified aroma and bitterness, ABV 7.5–12%
IPA vs Lager: the main differences
- IPA (ale): top fermentation, intense fruity and hoppy aromas, fuller body
- Lager: bottom fermentation at cooler temperatures, cleaner and maltier profile, lighter and more refreshing
How to taste an English IPA
- Temperature: 10–12 °C to highlight toasty malts and herbal hops
- Glass: English pint or tulip — discover glasses on Maltese
- Smell: look for notes of lemon, orange, herbs, tea, and spices
- Storage: in a cool, dark place, consume within a few months for the most volatile aromas
Food pairings
- Fish and chips and classic British dishes
- Aged cheeses: cheddar, pecorino
- Grilled meats and hamburgers
- Spicy Asian cuisine and spicy tacos
- Artisanal snacks for a hoppy aperitif
