What is an IPA?
Many of our customers are beer drinkers, and IPAs are a popular choice. But what exactly are IPAs?
IPA is an abbreviation for Indian Pale Ale, and as the name implies, it has a much lighter, pale colouring than most other malts. Compared to stouts and lagers, it's a very light shade. There's a good reason for this!
Back in the late 18th century, merchants and traders in particular were in need of a beer that didn't expire on long journeys. Few were able to withstand the voyage. To achieve this, brewers used coke-fired malt with less barley and well-fermented wort, reducing the sugar content. This makes a hoppy ale with a strong flavour and longer shelf-life.
IPAs weren't just practical, though. These ales have a wonderful flavour often described as piney, citrusy, earthy and slightly more bitter. Definitely a good choice if you like that strong hop flavour.