“Hoppy” IPA Day! A Celebration of the Popular Beer Style
IPA Day, a day dedicated to celebrating India Pale Ale, has become an annual event since its inception in 2011. Over the years, the popularity of IPA has grown exponentially, making it feel like every day is IPA Day with the abundance of IPAs found on store shelves. From well-known brands like Voodoo Ranger IPA from New Belgium to the offerings of local breweries, IPAs have taken over the beer scene.
The roots of IPA can be traced back to England in the early 19th century. Originally known as India Pale Ale, the style emerged as a result of the demand for strong stock or burton ales that were being shipped to the colonies in India via Africa. Various factors such as the abundance of hops, water chemistry, the length of the journey, and the presence of wild yeast in the barrels contributed to the creation of a sparkling and refreshing product that the English abroad enjoyed immensely. The term “India pale ale” was later coined around 1829 as a marketing tool, fueled by the colonists’ love for the beer, which eventually created a market for it back in England.
Since its early days, IPA has undergone significant evolution. Advancements in technology, the introduction of new hop varieties, and changes in customer preferences have transformed IPAs into what we know today. The main attraction of IPAs lies in the hops, with each hop cone containing lupulin glands that contribute to the distinct flavor and aroma. Hop cones are typically sourced from countries such as Germany, the United States, Poland, Australia, China, Slovenia, Czech Republic, England, and New Zealand. Each country’s hops have their own unique flavor characteristics, ranging from floral qualities in English hops to pine and citrus flavors in American hops. However, the past decade has seen a shift as countries develop and breed hops specifically suited for popular beer styles like IPAs. For example, Germany’s new hops boast flavors of pineapple and citrus.
Interestingly, even the location in which hops are grown can affect their flavor profile. Cascade, a popular hop in the United States, exhibits a more subtle taste when grown in New Zealand. Hops not only contribute to the flavor of IPAs but also impart bitterness, balance out the maltiness, and possess antimicrobial properties that protect the beer from spoiling. IPAs can range from non-alcoholic to over 13% ABV, with a wide variety of colors and flavors, as long as the dominant flavor comes from the hops. Double IPAs (higher than 7.5% ABV) and Hazy/New England style IPAs (typically deep yellow/orange in color with a fruity, less bitter flavor) are among the most popular IPA variations worldwide. Furthermore, a new IPA style called Cold IPA has emerged, utilizing lager yeast fermented at warmer temperatures and a larger proportion of corn/rice in the recipe to create a dry and drinkable beer.
With so many different kinds of IPAs available globally, it’s challenging to determine the best ones. Therefore, I recommend visiting your local brewery and trying out various IPAs to discover your personal favorites. IPA Day serves as the perfect occasion to delve into this immensely popular beer genre, so raise a glass and cheers to the hoppy goodness!
Leave a Reply