If you ask any craft beer drinker what their go-to pint is, you’re most likely to hear “an IPA”. In recent years, IPA seems to have conquered every possible tap list, but why? And what is IPA beer?
At Hop Union Brewery, we can’t help but love our IPA beer, from bright and fruity to big and bitter. So it’s time to talk about them.
What Does IPA Stand For?
IPA stands for India Pale Ale. The name has been around since the late 1700s, when British brewers began creating pale ales that were stronger, hoppier, and could survive a journey by ship to India. The extra hops were a natural preservative that helped the beer last longer in storage on a ship, giving it a longer shelf life and a stronger, more bitter flavour.
Modern IPA beers are a long way from these beers, what began as a thirst-quenching solution for British expats abroad has become a playground for the world’s most innovative brewers.
What Makes an IPA?
IPA beers take all sorts of forms and creative twists. But if you ask the question “What actually makes an IPA an IPA?”, the answer is simple, the hops. The distinctive aroma and flavour of the little green cones provide all the tastes and aromas associated with IPA, from piney and resinous, to citrusy and tropical fruits, or even flowers.
So what do you need to make a great IPA beer?
- Hop-forward flavour: big aromas and bold tastes that can range from bitter and resinous, to fruity and juicy.
- Balanced malt base: enough body to carry the hops without being too sweet or heavy.
- A range of strengths: most sit between 5% and 7% ABV, but you’ll find session IPAs that are lighter and doubles that pack more punch.
The ABV can range from the lighter session styles at 4.5% to Double IPA at 8% or above, but most IPAs are between 5% and 7%.
Hop Union IPA Beer Range
Alpha Centauri (Galaxy IPA) - 4.36%
Brewed with Maris Otter and wheat to give the beer some body, before being packed with Galaxy, Polaris and Comet hops for massive flavours of herbs, grapefruit zest, and juicy tropical fruit. Super smooth to drink at a relatively easy-drinking 4.36% ABV, it still has a hoppy punch.
Saint Arnold (Belgian IPA) - 4.5%
The combination of Belgian yeast and IPA hopping is a flavour bomb. Mosaic and Sabro hops bring fruit, while the yeast kicks in with a hint of spice and complexity. This is Belgian meets IPA, bringing the best of both worlds.
Bloody Nora (Blood Orange IPA) - 4.7%
Light Marris Otter and Pale chocolate in the mash give the golden-orange colour. Orange peel in the whirlpool creates a subtle pithy bitterness. Idaho 7, Citra and Simcoe added at various stages during fermentation layer in tropical Orange-Citrus flavours.
Moose River (American IPA) - 5.0%
A rich golden IPA beer with floral and fruity hops. It has Golden Promise and Caramalt malts for colour and body, Centennial and Tettnang hops for depth and aroma, and Mosaic hops for tropical flavour. It’s low in bitterness is balanced and refreshing.
Sleigh Ryed (Rye IPA) - 4.4%
Deep amber ale with layers of spicy rye, toasty malt, and rich red hues. Brambling Cross brings hedgerow fruit and earthiness, while Simcoe Cryo and Centennial add bursts of citrus and pine. Smooth and balanced with a crisp finish, it’s a flavourful winter warmer with a modern hoppy twist.
Common Questions
What does IPA stand for?
IPA stands for India Pale Ale. It’s a beer brewed originally for export to India in the 18th century.
Are IPAs always really bitter?
That used to be the case, but now many IPAs are as much about aroma as they are taste. In other words, modern IPAs can be full of juicy, tropical or citrusy flavours without being super bitter.
Is there a difference between an IPA and a Pale Ale?
Pale Ale is a parent beer style of IPA. Pale Ales are usually lighter in both taste and alcohol content.
What are the different types of IPA beer?
There are loads. West Coast, New England (or Hazy), Belgian, Fruited, Double IPAs and many more. Each has its own distinctive personality.
What food goes well with IPA beer?
Spicy curries, big BBQ flavours, burgers, strong cheeses, a sharp cheddar or even citrusy desserts all go well with IPA. This is a beer that can handle bold flavours, and the bitterness of the hops balance and complement stronger foods and spices.
Are IPAs strong?
Not necessarily. IPAs have an ABV of around 5–7%, though there are stronger beers and lower-strength ‘session’ IPAs that are around 4% ABV.
How do I serve an IPA?
Fresh and a little cool. You want your IPA slightly chilled, around 8–12°C is perfect. Serve in a glass that will capture the aroma. This could be a tulip glass or an IPA glass.
Summary
IPA is a beer style that is a must for any beer lover to try, even if you’re new to craft beer. From the juicy hop punch of Bloody Nora to the tropical aromas of Alpha Centuri, we have an IPA to suit your mood.
Hop Union Brewery loves IPA beers because they’re a way to show off our skills and creativity while celebrating great beer and bold, balanced hop flavours. So, what are you waiting for?
If you like what you hear so far and can’t decide which is your favourite, go ahead and grab a Build a 12 Box to start exploring your favourite Hop Union styles.
