A Little Bit About… American IPA

In my Try All The Beers series (which you can find here), I’ve had a couple of iconic UK beers of the American IPA style.  I realised that I haven’t actually touched on this beer style on the blog, what an oversight!  So, let's take a look at this well-loved beer style and all of the variety it can hold for the craft beer drinker.

The History of American IPA

The American India Pale Ale (IPA) is a vibrant and hop-forward beer style that originated as a reinterpretation of traditional English IPAs. American craft brewers took the hop intensity up a notch, leading to a distinctive style that's now beloved by beer enthusiasts worldwide. English IPAs were highly hopped pale ales that used extra hops to survive export to other countries. The American version was an attempt to replicate this style but with domestic ingredients.  British settlers brought their styles of beer with them when they went over to America, this included India Pale Ales. Brewers tried to replicate the style with American ingredients and local hops such as Bullion, Brewers Gold and Yakima Goldings. 

However, through the rise in popularity of lagers brought to America by German settlers and Prohibition where no brewing was allowed, IPAs almost died out.  They didn’t reappear fully until the 1970s and 80s.  The version we understand today emerged in the 1990s as the first craft brewers started to experiment with beer styles once again.

This is some contention around which beer is thought to be the original American IPA.  Some sources cite Anchor as the first brewers, they were definitely the first brewery to commercially use Cascade hops in 1975.  Other sources say this was the precursor to American IPA and the style actually came about through 3 distinct waves.  In the first wave, beers were brewed with high hop bitterness and a sweet, thick malty backbone.  These beers had around 50 IBUs - an average amount in beers we see today, but back then this was excessive bitterness compared to current beers on the market.  Consumers did not think this new style would catch on at all!  Breweries such as Stone, Harpoon and Blind Pig, which would later become Russian River, were making this style and would soon make their name from it.

The first time I had Stone IPA while in the US, back in 2013

Gradually brewers realised that the hops could also add aroma and flavour, not just high bitterness.  This is where we start to see the emergence of pine and grapefruit citrus in the beer style.  Beers such as Racer 5 from Bear Republic and Pliny the Elder from Russian River were developed at this time and still stand up as key examples of the style.

Tori and I managed to tick Pliny the Elder off our beer bucket lists at a bottle share

Finally, innovation and new brewing techniques caused the third wave of American IPA beers.  The style developed its own subset of beers including red IPA, white IPA, Black IPA, Belgian IPA and finally New England IPA - but that’s a separate blog post!

Tasting Notes for American IPA

Am American IPA I helped brew with Burnt Mill for International Women’s Collaboration Brew DAy 2023

American IPAs are characterized by a bold hop presence, offering a spectrum of flavours ranging from citrusy and piney to floral and tropical. The hop bitterness, balanced with a solid malt backbone, creates a harmonious and flavorful profile. There should be a clean finish from American yeast.  Expect a medium to high alcohol content, typically between 6-7.5% ABV, making American IPAs both flavorful and moderately strong.

BJCP Stats: American IPA

Colour: Gold to Amber (6 - 14SRM) 

ABV: Normal to Elevated (5.5 - 7.5%)

Perceived Bitterness: Assertive (40 - 70 IBUs) 

Serving Temperature: 7- 10oC (45 - 50oF)

Glass: Spiegelau, nonic pint or tulip glass to truly appreciate the aromas and flavours.

Classic examples of American IPA

Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA: This iconic American IPA from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is known for its well-balanced hop bitterness and notes of citrus and pine. It's a great introduction to the style with its widespread availability and consistent quality.

Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery is renowned for pushing the boundaries of beer, and their 60 Minute IPA is no exception. With a continuous hopping process, this beer delivers a delightful mix of hoppy aromas and a caramel malt backbone.

Stone IPA: Hailing from Stone Brewing, known for their commitment to bold flavors, Stone IPA is a classic representation of the American IPA style. Expect a burst of citrus and tropical fruit notes, coupled with a crisp and dry finish.

Closer to home you can also try Jaipur by Thornbridge or Oregon Trail by Elusive Brewing. 

Which coast is the best coast?

When it comes to American IPAs, you may have heard them referred to as West Coast IPAs, among other names.  One of the fascinating aspects of the American IPA landscape lies in the diversity within the category, notably the distinction between West Coast IPA and New England or Hazy IPA. West Coast IPAs are renowned for their clarity, crispness, and a pronounced focus on hop bitterness. These beers showcase a clear golden appearance, with a dry and often resinous taste, accentuating grapefruit, pine, and floral hop characteristics. In contrast, Hazy IPAs, also known as New England IPAs, are characterized by their hazy, opaque appearance and a velvety, smooth mouthfeel. Hazy IPAs prioritize hop flavour and aroma over bitterness, resulting in a juice-like quality with notes of tropical fruits, citrus, and a softer malt profile. While West Coast IPAs embrace a more traditional, clear aesthetic with a bitter punch, Hazy IPAs represent a newer, cloudier frontier that appeals to those seeking a fruitier and smoother hop experience. Both styles offer a unique journey into the world of American IPAs, catering to different palates and preferences.  We’ll look at New England IPAs in a future blog post.

As you venture into the world of American IPAs, savour the diverse flavours that hop-forward beers have to offer. Remember to explore different breweries and variations to find your personal favourites. Cheers to your beer tasting journey, and may it be filled with discovery, enjoyment, and the rich tapestry of craft beer!

Which coast is your best coast? Let me know in the comments!