What Is an IPA? A Guide to This Popular Craft Beer Style

When it comes to craft beer, people have numerous options. IPA, or India pale ale, is just one of these well-loved craft beer varieties. Many people are familiar with the term IPA as a type of beer, but fewer know what it means, its variations, and its taste. Joe Canal’s, a discount liquor store in Lawrenceville, NJ, offers a huge selection of beers. Here, we walk you through what an IPA is, a brief history of this craft beer, and the different kinds of IPA.

How IPA Craft Beer Began

While IPA is an extremely popular beer today, many people aren’t familiar with the impressive history of the brew. The creation of IPA began in the early 1800s when British sailors voyaged out on a trip to India. The sailors wanted to bring alcohol along for their extensive journey and loaded up barrels with beer and a high amount of hops, or plants that act as a natural preservative.

Throughout the long journey, the addition of more hops in the barrels began to change the flavor of the beer to a bitter-tasting brew with a lack of fruitiness. The sailors then discovered that this new flavor brought a unique taste. This distinct flavor is what we know today as India pale ale. IPA has experienced a surge of popularity in contemporary times and now comes in a vast selection of flavors and varieties.

Understanding Different IPAs

While each IPA variation differs slightly in flavor, the main distinguishing feature between the craft beer and others is its lighter color and flavor. A few types of IPA include:

• British IPA: These are the classic IPA craft beers with malty, bitter, and one-noted flavors. Although this IPA is the original, it is not as popular as other variations today.
• West Coast IPA: For a fruity-flavored craft beer, try a West coast IPA. These styles tend to be less bitter. The bitterness in a West coast IPA is balanced with an exceptionally clean and crisp body, higher carbonation, and tropical fruit notes.
• New England IPA: These fermented craft beers are often made with blends of hops that offer intense, fruity flavor. New England IPA is typically less-bitter with more carbonation and fruity notes and makes a great IPA choice for people who aren’t big on the classic, bitter IPAs.
• American IPA: This variety is an American spin on the classic IPA. The American IPA was created in the 1970s and adds a fruity and citrusy twist to the original brew. These styles typically have an alcohol content of around 5 to 8% and distinctly fruity and earthy aromas that come from American hops.

These IPAs are just a handful of the flavors and textures of this versatile craft beer. The type of hops used to make the beer plays a significant role in the different variants available. Depending on the specific hops, an IPA may have a citrusy, floral, or piney quality, and many brewers combine hops varieties to create one-of-a-kind flavors. The vast range of IPAs makes it easier for all beer consumers — whether casual drinkers or connoisseurs — to find a beer that they will enjoy. And that can be done easily at Joe Canal’s, where we have a wide range of options and a knowledgeable staff to help you find the right choice.

Find the IPA for You at Joe Canal’s

Whether you’ve tasted many different IPAs or have little experience with this craft beer, the knowledgeable staff at Joe Canal’s is here to help you expand your horizons with IPA. Individuals near Lawrenceville, NJ, can explore our huge selection of alcohol, including craft beer and several IPAs in the store or online. Joe Canal’s is also proud to offer same-day delivery Tuesday through Saturday to those in Lawrenceville, Princeton, West Windsor, Princeton Junction, and Mercerville. We also offer store pick-up for your convenience.

For more information or questions regarding IPA, contact us today and talk with the team at Joe Canal’s. We will be more than happy to help you find your new go-to IPA or guide you to other craft beers.