The Truth Behind the History of the IPA

In this blog we delve deep into the fascinating history of India Pale Ale (IPA), a beer type that is often surrounded by myths and misunderstandings. Together with renowned beer historian Martyn Cornell, we unravel the truths behind the origins and evolution of this iconic beer, while also tasting some modern variants.

Introduction to IPA 🍺

India Pale Ale, better known as IPA, is one of the most beloved types of beer in the world. It is distinguished by its powerful hop aromas and a unique flavor profile. However, the origins of IPA are complex and steeped in history.

In this section we explore what exactly IPA is, the different styles that fall under this heading and why it has an important place in the world of craft beer. From the traditional English versions to the modern American interpretations, IPA continues to evolve.

What makes an IPA an IPA?

• Hop Use: IPAs are characterized by an increased amount of hops, which provides strong bitterness and aromatic flavors.
• Alcohol percentage: Most IPAs have a higher alcohol percentage than other beer types, often ranging from 5.5% to 7.5% or more.
• Variety: There are several styles of IPA, including West Coast, East Coast, and New England IPA, each with unique flavor profiles and aromas.

Who is Martyn Cornell? 🍻

Martyn Cornell is a leading beer historian and writer, known for his in-depth knowledge of the history of beer. His passion for the history of IPA and other beer types makes him a valuable source of information.

With a background in journalism and a love of craft beer, Cornell has written numerous articles and books on the evolution of beer. His expertise helps beer lovers and producers understand the rich history of beer.

The contributions of Martyn Cornell

• Books: Cornell has written several books on beer history, in which he debunks myths and presents facts.
• Lectures: He regularly gives lectures and presentations about beer, sharing his knowledge with a wide audience.
• Social Media: On platforms such as Twitter, Cornell shares his insights and interacts with other beer enthusiasts.

The Origin of the IPA 🌍

The origins of India Pale Ale are closely intertwined with the history of British colonization of India. In the 18th century, British brewers began producing special beer that was strong enough to withstand the long journey to India.

These beers were often hopped more than their counterparts in England, which helped prevent spoilage during the journey. The result was a beer that was both sustainable and tasty, satisfying the taste buds of the British colonists in India.

The role of the brewers

• Hodson Brewery: One of the first brewers to focus on producing beers for the Indian market.
• Burton-on-Trent: This region became famous for its calcareous water, leading to improved brewing methods for pale ales.

The Role of the East India Company 🚢

The East India Company played a crucial role in the spread of IPA. This trade organization not only influenced trade but also the culture of the British colonists in India.

The ships of the East India Company carried not only goods, but also the beers that were popular among British expatriates. This led to a growing demand for pale ales, which stimulated the production and distribution of IPA.

Impact on beer culture

• Home of the IPA: The East India Company made London a major center for IPA production.
• Change in Preferences: The tastes of the colonists influenced the way beers were brewed, leading to a unique style that stood out from other beers.

The Brewing Process of the IPA 🍻

The IPA preparation process is essential for creating its characteristic flavors and aromas. This process differs significantly from other beer types, mainly due to the use of hops.

When brewing IPAs, both dry hop techniques and late hop additions are often used. This provides a more intense hop aroma and a more complex taste.

Steps in Brewing IPA

1. Malting: The process begins with malting barley, which forms the basis for the sugars that are converted into alcohol during the brewing process.
2. Mashing: The malted grain is mixed with warm water, which releases sugars.
3. Cooking: During cooking, the hops are added, which gives the beer its bitterness and aroma.
4. Fermentation: Yeast is added and the sugars are converted into alcohol, which forms the final flavor of the IPA.
5. Conditioning: The beer matures, which further develops flavors and gives the beer its character.

The Evolution of the IPA in the UK 🍺

The history of India Pale Ale in the UK is a story of change and adaptation. After its glory days in the 19th century, when IPA was a symbol of British pride, it slowly began to lose popularity.

The First World War had a devastating effect on beer production. Due to scarcity of ingredients and the need to cut costs, the alcohol content of IPAs dropped significantly. This led to a shift in the perception of what an IPA should be.

In the 1930s and 1940s, IPA was often seen as an inferior version of other beer types. It increasingly became a synonym for "quite bitter", with little distinction in taste and quality.

The revival in the 1970s

It wasn't until the 1970s that the IPA started to gain popularity again. The rise of craft breweries in the UK led to a reinterpretation of the style, with brewers returning to traditional methods and ingredients.

This new generation of brewers experimented with hops, resulting in a more powerful and aromatic product. This repositioned the IPA as a premium beer type.

Modern English IPA 🇬🇧

Modern English IPAs pay tribute to their historic predecessors, but with a contemporary twist. These beers combine traditional brewing techniques with innovative hop varieties and flavors.

The focus now is on a balance between bitterness and aroma, with brewers often opting for hop varieties such as East Kent Goldings, Fuggles and Challenger. This creates a complex flavor profile that appeals to both old and new generations of beer drinkers.

Characteristics of Modern English IPA

• Bitterness: An increased hop content provides a pronounced bitterness, often with a citrusy or floral undertone.
• Aroma: The aromas vary from fruity to spicy, depending on the hop varieties used.
• Alcohol percentage: Modern English IPAs usually have an alcohol percentage between 5% and 7.5%.

The American IPA: A New Revolution 🇺🇸

The American IPA has revolutionized the world of beer. The early 1980s saw the start of a new wave of brewers, inspired by the traditional British IPA, but with a uniquely American twist.

Brewers like Bert Grant and the founders of Sierra Nevada Brewery played a crucial role in this transformation. They introduced a wide variety of American hop varieties that dramatically changed the taste and aromas of IPAs.

Characteristics of the American IPA

• Hops: The emphasis is on the use of American hop varieties such as Cascade, Centennial and Citra, which offer intense aromas of citrus and pine.
• Bitterness: American IPAs are often more bitter than their British counterparts, with a distinctly hoppy flavor.
• Variation: There are several sub-styles, such as West Coast IPA, New England IPA and Double IPA, each with their own characteristics.

The Influence of American Hop Varieties 🌱

American hop varieties have changed the way IPAs are brewed and consumed. The unique flavors and aromas of these hops have led to an explosion of creativity in the beer world.

With their intense and often fruity profiles, American hops have pushed traditional UK hops into the background. This has led to a new generation of beers that are both challenging and accessible to a wide audience.

Popular American Hop Varieties

• Cascade: Offers a citrusy and floral flavor, often used in classic American IPAs.
• Citra: Known for its intense aromas of grapefruit and tropical fruit.
• Simcoe: Adds a complex profile with notes of pine, citrus and earthy flavors.

The Future of IPA 🔮

The future of the IPA looks promising. With the continued evolution of brewing techniques and the discovery of new hop varieties, we will likely see even more varieties and flavors.

The popularity of IPAs continues to increase, not only in the US and UK, but also worldwide. Brewers are increasingly experimenting with unusual ingredients and techniques, leading to unique and exciting beers.

Trends to keep an eye on

• Low and Alcohol-Free IPAs: With the growing demand for healthier options, we're seeing more and more brewers offering alcohol-free versions of IPAs.
• Innovative hop combinations: Brewers continue to experiment with new and rare hop varieties to create unique flavors.
• Regional Styles: The rise of craft breweries in different parts of the world is leading to regional interpretations of the IPA.