If you’re into craft beer or just want to know more about one of the most interesting beer styles, this is for you. In this blog post, we’re taking a closer look at the exciting world of craft IPA. It’s a beer style that’s rooted in tradition but also has a modern flair. While many view craft IPA as an incredible American contribution to the beer scene, its roots are actually much older than you might think! This style harks back to the age-old brewing traditions of England, and it’s absolutely amazing! I love craft IPA! It’s got this amazing complexity and balance that just draws me in.
I come from Rome, where the IPA culture has really taken off in recent years. In fact, the city has been dubbed the Capital of Bitterness in Italy by beer aficionados!
The best craft IPA I have enjoyed strikes the perfect balance between the bitterness of hops and the inherent sweetness of malts. It’s not too overwhelming in alcohol content yet extraordinarily drinkable. When executed well, craft IPAs become more than just a drink – they’re an experience, a celebration of craft beer history with every sip!
The origins of IPA – or India Pale Ale – are firmly rooted in British brewing history, and it’s a fascinating story! In the 19th century, English brewers had the exciting challenge of supplying beer to British expatriates and soldiers stationed in India. To make sure the beer made it to India in tip-top condition, brewers added extra hops, a natural preservative that gave the beer its distinctive, hoppy flavour. The original hops included traditional English varieties such as Fuggles and East Kent Goldings, which gave the beer a delightfully earthy, floral, and spicy flavour.
But the story takes an intriguing turn with the American craft beer revolution! In the late 20th century, inspired by this historical style, American craft brewers began to reinvent the IPA, infusing it with their innovative spirit – and the result was nothing short of revolutionary! This transformation was made possible by “Three Cs” of hops, which were a real game-changer! Cascade, Centennial, and Columbus – three amazing hop varieties! These varieties, cultivated in the Pacific Northwest, brought intense aromas and flavours to the style – Cascade with its floral and grapefruit notes; Centennial offering a balanced bitterness with floral and citrus undertones; and Columbus known for its bold, earthy, and spicy characteristics.
And there was more! American brewers didn’t just stop at hops. They started to push boundaries with brewing techniques and creative ingredients, leading to a dramatic shift in how IPAs were crafted and perceived – and it was a shift for the better! The American IPA shot to fame thanks to its bold and intense bitterness, crafted with high alpha acid hops that often reach and exceed 40-70 International Bitterness Units (IBUs). And it’s easy to see why! This is what you could call a really bitter beer! This embrace of boldness didn’t just elevate IPAs – it was the catalyst for the entire craft beer movement! It set new standards for quality and creativity, and it was a game-changer!
Today, craft IPAs remain a cornerstone of American beer culture, celebrated for both their historical significance and their ever-evolving innovation! As brewers experiment with new hop varieties and hybrids, the landscape of what an IPA can be is constantly shifting, making the exploration of craft IPA an exciting and dynamic journey to follow!
Distinguishing Craft IPA from Other Styles
IPA is a cornerstone of the craft beer movement, and it’s absolutely essential to understand how it stands apart from other styles and appreciate the amazing variety within its own category! Let’s dive into the traditional English IPA! This style is all about that perfect balance of hoppiness, lower alcohol content, and restrained bitterness. It often showcases those gorgeous earthy and floral hop notes that we all love!
In contrast, the American IPA is known for its bold and assertive hop flavours, with American hop varieties contributing citrus, pine, and tropical fruit aromas – it’s a real treat for the senses! And there’s more! The American IPA category is made up of several different styles:
Each style within the craft IPA genre is a delight in itself, proving that the world of craft beer is a wonderfully diverse and ever-evolving place. There’s an IPA style out there to suit every taste! Whether you’re seeking bold hop bitterness or a juicy, aromatic experience, the exploration of craft IPA is an endlessly rewarding journey.
earthy, floral and spicy aroma
Notes of citrus fruits, pine and tropical fruits
cloudy appearance and juicy, fruity flavour
strong, piney and resinous hop flavours
Strong flavours and a fuller body
aromatic qualities of a standard IPA, but in a lighter format
Pairing Food with Craft IPA
Pairing food with craft IPAs is an amazing culinary adventure! It enhances the tasting experience by perfectly balancing the beer’s bold flavours with delicious, complementary dishes. When it comes to these vibrant brews, think of foods that can stand up to their hoppy intensity – the possibilities are endless!
Spicy cuisine, such as Indian or Mexican dishes, is an absolutely perfect match for IPAs! The beer’s bitterness and hop flavours really accentuate and complement the spicy heat, while also cooling the palate.
Grilled meats are another excellent choice! The caramelised flavours from the grill harmonise beautifully with the maltiness of the beer, while the hops cut through the richness, creating an amazing flavour combination.
If you love cheese, try a sharp cheddar or a tangy blue cheese with your IPA. The sharpness of the cheese will bring out the fruity and citrusy notes in the beer, and it’ll taste incredible! You can even pair an IPA with dessert. Try a zesty lemon tart or a grapefruit sorbet to highlight the beer’s citrus undertones.
There are so many possibilities! The best part is that when you pair food with craft IPA, you’re creating a memorable dining experience.
Ultimately, it’s all about your taste! There’s nothing quite like a perfectly crafted IPA to satisfy your taste buds! Whether you’re a fan of the gentle British-style IPA or the bold American (or modern Roman) craft IPA, there’s an IPA out there for you.
I firmly believe that there are certain attributes that make a great brew stand out from the rest. From my amazing experience at Fermento, where we brew perfectly balanced beers, I can say with confidence that the balance between hoppy bitterness and malty sweetness is the cornerstone of any exceptional IPA! A fresh aroma is a sure sign of a well-crafted IPA! It’s typically a medley of citrus, pine, or floral notes that will delight your senses. Or whatever you like!
As we learned from the historical inception of this style, preservation through hops doesn’t mean overpowering the brew’s complexity and drinkability – it means enhancing it! Instead, look for craft beers that maintain this delicious flavourful balance while introducing you to some truly captivating new hop varieties! Some hops provide absolutely delicious citrusy notes, reminiscent of grapefruit, lemon, or orange. And there’s more! You’ll also find tropical fruit flavours like mango, passion fruit, and pineapple. Hops can also impart piney, herbal, or floral characteristics, adding even more complexity and depth. The amazing thing about IPAs is that they can have so many different flavours! This is all down to the different hop varieties and innovative brewing techniques used, which make each one unique and exciting.
By understanding the heritage and evolution of IPA, we can appreciate a good craft beer that not only pays homage to its history but also embraces the innovation of modern brewing practices – and have a great time doing it!