Discover IPA brand differences and tips for choosing
India Pale Ale (IPA) is a beer style characterized by a strong use of aromatic hops and a more pronounced bitterness compared to other beers. Modern IPAs, especially American or Australian styles, focus on intense aromas of citrus, tropical fruit, and resinous or floral notes, supported by a malt body that allows the hops to express themselves without being unbalanced.
What is the difference between an IPA and a Pale Ale?
- IPA: more hops, more pronounced aromas and bitterness; often with evident notes of citrus, tropical fruit, and resin.
- Pale Ale: more balanced between malt and hops, with less intense hop aromas.
If you want an explosion of aromas and a balanced bitter finish, IPA is the right choice; if you prefer a softer, maltier beer, Pale Ale will better suit your taste.
Frequently asked questions about brands and points of sale
Moretti IPA beer
Birra Moretti is a major Italian brand that also offers variants inspired by international styles. A Moretti IPA is designed as a mass-market option: usually easier to find and with a less aggressive character compared to many craft IPAs.
Lidl IPA beer: are supermarket IPAs worth it?
IPAs sold by chains like Lidl offer good value for money but can be more standardized and less complex compared to craft beers. If you seek complex aromas of citrus, passion fruit, or gooseberry, you might prefer a small-batch craft IPA.
Lagunitas IPA beer
Lagunitas is a well-known American brand famous for its aromatic and hoppy IPAs. Their beers tend to be intense and oriented towards the American hop flavor. If you appreciate fruity profiles and bold bitterness, Lagunitas IPAs are a solid reference.
Esselunga IPA Beer
Esselunga, like other chains, offers a selection that can include both industrial brands and craft labels. Check the label to learn about the hop varieties used and tasting notes.
Tips for tasting and pairing an IPA
- Serve the IPA at a cool but not icy temperature (8–12 °C) to enhance the aromas.
- Use a tulip or goblet glass to concentrate the aromas.
- Ideal pairings: spicy foods (Indian, Mexican cuisine), hamburgers, ribs, or aged cheeses.
Why try an Italian craft IPA
Italian craft IPAs often combine local brewing techniques with the use of international hops, creating original aromatic profiles with notes of citrus, passion fruit, and gooseberry, supported by balanced malt and calibrated bitterness.
If you want to discover an Italian craft IPA with aromas of citrus, passion fruit, and gooseberry, try Le IPA di WAR — box of 12 cans from Birrificio WAR:
Conclusion
- IPAs are hoppy and aromatic beers, different from Pale Ales in intensity and bitterness.
- Supermarket versions (Lidl, Esselunga, major brands) are convenient but craft IPAs offer greater complexity.
- Brands like Lagunitas represent the American style; Moretti offers more accessible variants on the mass market.
For those who want to explore notes of citrus and passion fruit with a balanced bitterness, Make West Coast IPA by Ritual Lab and Le IPA di WAR are available on Maltese.beer — shipping in 24/48h.
