IPA Beer Complete Guide to Styles and Best Craft IPAs
IPA stands for India Pale Ale, a high fermentation (ale) beer style characterized by a high hop content that provides:
- Pronounced bitterness (30-70+ IBU - International Bitterness Units)
- Intense aromas of citrus, tropical fruit, resin, flowers, herbs
- Color from golden to deep amber
- Moderate-high alcohol content (5-7.5% for classic IPAs, up to 10%+ for Imperial IPAs)
- Medium body, lively carbonation
- Variable drinkability: from light Session IPAs to powerful Double IPAs
What Makes an IPA Special?
The secret of IPA lies in the hop: this climbing plant gives the beer not only bitterness but above all complex aromas that vary depending on the varieties used:
- American hops (Cascade, Citra, Mosaic, Simcoe): citrus, grapefruit, mango, passion fruit, resin
- English hops (Fuggle, East Kent Goldings): floral, herbal, earthy, spicy
- New Zealand hops (Nelson Sauvin, Motueka): white grape, tropical fruits, lime
- Italian hops (Italian Cascade, native hops): Mediterranean, citrusy, herbal
IPA Beer History: From Colonialism to the Craft Beer Revolution
The Legendary Origins (1780-1840)
The history of IPA is shrouded in myth. According to the most widespread legend, at the end of the 1700s English brewers were looking for a way to get beer intact to India, where British troops were stationed during the colonial period.
The long sea voyage (6 months around the Cape of Good Hope) and the tropical climate ruined traditional beers. Brewer George Hodgson of London's Bow Brewery had the insight to produce a Pale Ale with:
- More hops (natural antibacterial preservative)
- More alcohol (another natural preservative)
- Dry hopping (adding hops cold)
The result was a beer that not only survived the journey but improved during the crossing, developing complex aromas and a unique character.
The Historical Truth
Recent research has scaled down the myth: IPAs were not as heavily hopped as previously believed, and other beers were traveling to India. However, the style October Beer or Pale Ale for India became popular and evolved into the IPA we know today.
Decline and Revival (1900-1980)
In the 20th century, IPA almost disappeared, replaced by industrial lagers. The revival happened in the '70s-'80s in the USA, when pioneering breweries like Anchor Brewing and Sierra Nevada reinterpreted the style with super aromatic American hops, creating the American IPA that revolutionized the beer world.
IPA Styles: Complete Guide to Variants
The IPA family is vast. Here are the main styles:
1. English IPA (IPA Inglese)
Characteristics:
- Amber-copper color
- English hops (floral, herbal, earthy)
- Moderate bitterness (40-60 IBU)
- Malts well present (biscuit, caramel)
- Strength 5-6.5%
- Balanced and drinkable
2. American IPA (IPA Americana)
Characteristics:
- Golden-amber color
- American hops (citrus, resin, tropical)
- Decisive bitterness (40-70 IBU)
- Malts in the background
- Strength 6-7.5%
- Hoppy and aromatic
This is the most widespread and loved IPA in the world!
3. Session IPA
Characteristics:
- Low strength (3.5-5%)
- Intense hopping but light body
- Moderate bitterness (35-50 IBU)
- Highly drinkable
- Perfect for extended drinking "sessions"
4. Double IPA / Imperial IPA
Characteristics:
- High strength (8-10%+)
- Extreme hopping (70-100+ IBU)
- Full and malty body
- Explosive aromas
- Powerful and complex
5. New England IPA (NEIPA) / Hazy IPA
Characteristics:
- Cloudy appearance, "orange juice"
- Hops added cold (massive dry hopping)
- Low bitterness (20-40 IBU)
- Explosive tropical aromas (mango, pineapple, peach)
- Creamy texture
- Residual sweetness
Recent revolution: Style born in Vermont (USA) in the 2010s, now among the most requested.
6. West Coast IPA
Characteristics:
- Clear and crystalline
- Aggressive and dry bitterness
- Clean and dry finish
- Resinous hops
- Contrasted with NEIPA
7. Italian IPA (IPA Italiana)
Characteristics:
- Italian or European hops
- Mediterranean ingredients (citrus, herbs)
- Balance between English tradition and American innovation
- Territorial character
- Strength 5.5-7%
How to Recognize a Quality IPA
Not all IPAs are the same. Here are the criteria to recognize an excellent IPA:
1. Freshness
IPAs are beers to drink fresh! Hops degrade quickly:
- Consume within 3-6 months of production
- Check the date on the label
- Store in the fridge away from light
2. Balance
A great IPA balances:
- Hoppy bitterness
- Malty sweetness
- Complex aromas
- Clean finish
3. Fresh Aromas
The aromas must be lively and fresh (citrus, tropical, resin), not oxidized (cardboard, hay, old honey).
The Best Italian Craft IPA
Italy has developed a top-level IPA scene. Here are some of the best productions:
Iconic Italian IPA
1. Tipopils - Birrificio Italiano
Technically a Pilsner, but with Italian IPA hopping
2. Lurisia IPA - Birra Baladin
Italian IPA with Mediterranean character
3. Ghisa - Birrificio Lambrate
Iconic Milanese Black IPA
4. Reale - Birra del Borgo
Extra hop IPA, generous hopping
How to Taste an IPA: Practical Guide
Serving Temperature
- 8-12°C for classic IPAs
- 10-14°C for Double/Imperial IPA
- 6-8°C for Session IPA
Never ice-cold: excessive cold hides the aromas!
Ideal Glass
Tulip or IPA glass (tulip-shaped with wide base) - concentrates aromas towards the nose and allows foam to develop.
Tasting
Appearance: Color (golden, amber, cloudy?), clarity, foam (white, compact, persistent?)
Smell: Hop aromas (citrus, tropical, resin, floral?), malt notes (biscuit, caramel?)
Taste: First impression (sweet, bitter, balanced?), body (light, medium, full?), finish (dry, persistent bitterness, clean?)
Gastronomic Pairings with IPAs
IPAs are versatile in pairings:
Classic Pairings
- Gourmet hamburgers - Bitterness cuts the fat
- Curry and spicy dishes - Hops balance the spices
- Aged cheeses - Perfect contrast
- Fried foods - Bitterness refreshes the palate
- Pizza - Classic Italian pairing
- Tacos and Mexican cuisine - Complementary aromas
- Grilled salmon - Delicate IPAs
Where to Buy the Best Craft IPAs
Online - The Best Choice
On Maltese you find:
- Carefully selected Italian and international craft IPAs
- Iconic American IPAs
- NEIPA and innovative styles
- Italian IPAs from award-winning breweries
- Fast shipping with secure packaging
- Refrigerated storage for maximum freshness
Conclusion: The IPA, Queen of Craft Beer
The IPA beer represents the essence of the craft beer revolution: innovation, quality, passion, and explosive aromas. Whether you prefer a balanced English IPA, a hoppy American IPA, a creamy NEIPA, or a territorial Italian IPA, there is a perfect IPA for every palate.
The important thing is to choose fresh, quality IPAs produced by craft breweries that respect tradition and experiment creatively.
Cheers and happy hopping! 🍺🌿
