Craft Beer 101: IPAs

In this series, we’ll explore the stories behind some of our favorite beers. Cheers!

What is an IPA?

The India Pale Ale (IPA) is popular among craft beer lovers today, but it also has a long history that dates back to the 1700s and spans several continents.

An IPA is a bold, hop-heavy beer with a color ranging from golden to reddish amber. It was originally brewed in England and shipped to British troops and colonists in India. To help the beer stay fresh throughout the long journey in hot temperatures, brewers increased the alcohol content and added extra hops to act as preservatives. The IPA style caught on, and it has been evolving ever since.

There are three official categories of IPA (though there many more unofficial varieties and subcategories):

• English-style IPA
• American-style IPA
• Imperial (double) IPA

The American IPA

American brewers – like Dogfish Head – have had great success developing our own spin on the English India Pale Ale. American IPAs tend to be medium-bodied, robust and unapologetically hoppy – with subtle citrus, floral or sweet malt notes to round out the flavor.

Some IPA fans prefer to savor their pints alone, but this type of beer also pairs well with spicy, salty or hearty fare, such as curries, burgers or wings.

Dogfish Head IPAs to Try

60 Minute IPA

The 60 Minute IPA is an East Coast IPA brewed with a generous serving of Northwest hops – more than 60 hop additions over the course of a boil lasting 60 minutes. It balances the bitter hoppy aroma with a crisp citrus flavor, and it contains 6% alcohol by volume.

90 Minute Imperial IPA

The 90 Minute IPA takes it up a notch even from the 60 Minute IPA! It’s a lively, malty beer that has a bold, fruity flavor and should not be underestimated at 9% ABU.

120 Minute IPA

For a limited time only, the 120 Minute IPA is being released today for a short time. The popular beer is only brewed twice a year and delivers a 15-20% ABV.