Brewing is going through a true revolution. Things are moving rapidly and if you’re a fan of beer, there’s no. way that you have been able to avoid it. Before we go any further, it’s important that you know exactly what we’re talking about when we say IPAs. An Imperial or International Pale Ale is a full-bodied, hoppier version of a traditional pale ale.
Historically the name described an ale that had been brewed in the British Isles and shipped to the Russian Imperial Court. IPAs are very popular on the West Coast of the United States, but are now brewed worldwide. That’s right – you can find these pale ales brew right the way around the world, and because of that, there are so many different varieties for you to explore, for example the many offered by Melvin Brewing. It’s just a matter of taking the time to see what’s out there.
Here are a variety of reasons why you need to try more experimental IPAs:
1. Flavors
Every IPA brewer has something different they call common IPA flavors. Considering the huge variety of flavors available to us, it may only be the most common flavors between all of the American IPAs as a whole. Here are the most common flavors found in American IPAs: Citrus, Spicey, Hops, Pine, Floral, and Dank. However, there are so many other varieties out there for you to explore.
2. Exclusive Runs
IPAs are usually refreshingly hoppy, high in alcohol, and loaded with American hop varieties. Ales from other countries, especially in the United Kingdom, can be as hoppy, but are more likely to use Fuggle, Golding and Northern Brewer hops. Note that like many commercial beers, but they can be difficult to produce on a small scale, and require a lot of time to make. However, it adds to the prestige of them and makes them more sought-after by enthusiasts.
3. Deceptively High Alcohol Content
IPAs can actually be of a higher alcohol content than you may have expected. In spite of their hoppy taste, they can be anywhere from 6-8%, and are often referred to as ‘big beers’, ‘strong beers’, ‘high gravity beers’ and ‘barley wines’, and adds to the overall taste.
4. Alternative to Standard Beers
IPAs contain more hop oils called alpha acids. This is why they are often known for their hoppiness, with a strong flavor and smell. They are more bitter, with the increased higher alcohol content, and contain more hops. They’re often identified by flavors including pine, citrus, or fruity flavors. As your taste buds adjust, you’ll notice that you can actually pick apart the flavors and really enjoy drinking an IPA.
While these new tastes may be new to you, some of these different style dates back to the early 1700s in England. IPA is one of the most popular beer styles in America, and many well-known breweries produce this type of beer, so it’s well worth trying out if you are still in the dark and you are wonder what all of the fuss is about and why there’s so much demand for them right now.
