Abita Beer's Exploration Of Ipas: A Comprehensive Guide

what abita beers are ipa

Abita Brewing Company, founded in 1986 in Covington, Louisiana, brews a variety of beers, including several IPAs. IPAs, or India Pale Ales, are known for their hoppy aromas and flavours, and Abita offers a range of options within this style. From the Jockamo Juicy IPA and Wrought Iron IPA to the AlphaGator Imperial IPA, Abita's selection showcases the versatility of IPAs, appealing to a wide range of craft beer enthusiasts.

Characteristics Values
Name Jockamo I.P.A.
Type India Pale Ale
Availability Year-round

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Jockamo IPA

Although Jockamo IPA was previously available year-round, it is no longer being produced by Abita Brewing Company.

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Wrought Iron IPA

Abita Wrought Iron IPA is an India Pale Ale that embodies the resilient and indestructible nature of New Orleans. It is forged with intense Apollo, Equinox, and Mosaic hops, and brewed with pale ale malt to achieve a golden colour reminiscent of iron fresh from a fiery forge. The beer has a strong hoppy flavour and a pleasant finish that lingers.

Others note that it has a golden amber tone, with a crisp and bitter taste that is not fruity. This IPA pairs well with dishes like gumbo or jambalaya, making it a great choice for those seeking a change of pace from fruity IPAs.

Although it seems that Abita Brewing Company no longer produces this beer, it has certainly left an impression on those who have had the pleasure of tasting it.

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Abita's range of IPAs

Abita Brewing Company, founded in 1986 in Covington, Louisiana, offers a range of India Pale Ales (IPAs) as part of its selection of craft beers. Abita's IPAs include the Jockamo Juicy IPA, Wrought Iron IPA, and the Alphagator Imperial IPA.

The Jockamo Juicy IPA is a year-round brew, available in both bottles and cans. It is characterized by its citrus and tropical fruit notes, likely derived from the hops used in the brewing process.

The Wrought Iron IPA is one of Abita's flagship beers, sold in 46 US states and Puerto Rico. It is also available in Germany, along with the Turbodog and Abita Root Beer.

The Alphagator is an Imperial IPA, meaning it has a higher concentration of hops and a higher ABV, typically over 7%. This brew has a cloudy appearance and features flavours of tropical and citrus fruits. With a 9% ABV, it is Abita's strongest IPA offering.

In addition to its range of IPAs, Abita also offers seasonal beers, Harvest brews, Big Beers, and a selection of draft-only beers.

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IPAs and their alcohol content

IPAs, or India Pale Ales, are known for their bitter taste and high alcohol content. However, not all IPAs are bitter, nor do they all have a high alcohol content. The alcohol content of an IPA can vary depending on the style and brewing process.

Session IPAs

Session IPAs are known for their lower alcohol content, typically falling below 5% ABV. They are designed to be easy-drinking beers that can be enjoyed repeatedly without overwhelming the drinker. With lower alcohol content, Session IPAs tend to have a thinner body and lower carbonation than other IPAs.

Double/Imperial IPAs

On the other hand, Double or Imperial IPAs pack a stronger punch. With a higher hop concentration and more malt, these beers usually have an ABV of over 7%. They offer a more intense flavour and aroma, but should be consumed with caution as the high alcohol content can sneak up on you.

Traditional IPAs

The traditional West Coast IPA is known for its hoppy, fruity, and crisp characteristics. While some varieties can be bitter, others strike a balance with a clean, crisp body, higher carbonation, and tropical fruit notes.

New England IPAs

New England IPAs, also known as Hazy IPAs or East Coast IPAs, are unfiltered, resulting in a hazy appearance. They offer intense fruit flavours and a lower carbonation level. These IPAs are often dry-hopped, enhancing their fruity and grassy aromas.

British IPAs

British IPAs are less common in the United States market. They tend to be very hoppy and one-dimensional in flavour, lacking the complex fruit notes of New England or West Coast IPAs. British IPAs typically have a higher ABV, contributing to their heavier mouthfeel.

Abita IPAs

The Abita Brewing Company, based in Louisiana, offers a range of IPAs, including the Jockamo Juicy IPA and the Alphagator Imperial IPA. The Alphagator, with its cloudy appearance and bold hop flavours, boasts a 9% ABV, placing it in the higher range for IPAs.

In summary, while IPAs are generally associated with higher alcohol content, there is a wide range of variations. From easy-drinking Session IPAs to the potent Double/Imperial IPAs, there is an IPA to suit different preferences and occasions.

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History of IPAs

The Abita Brewing Company, nestled in the piney woods 30 miles north of New Orleans, produces a range of beers, including IPAs. The Jockamo Juicy IPA and the AlphaGator Imperial IPA are two examples of IPAs crafted by Abita.

Now, let's delve into the history of IPAs:

The India Pale Ale, or IPA, was originally an export beer shipped to India, which was under the control of the British East India Company until 1858. The journey to India took at least six months, and breweries faced the challenge of preserving their beer during the long voyage. The story of IPAs begins with the quest to create a beer that could withstand this arduous journey.

In the late 18th century, George Hodgson, a brewer at the Bow Brewery in East London, started packing his pale ales with extra hops and increased alcohol content. Both the hops and the higher alcohol content acted as preservatives, creating a bitter and stronger ale that was more refreshing in the hot Indian climate compared to the dark ales and porters popular in London.

By the early 19th century, "pale ale prepared for the India market" gained popularity, and exports increased. The phrase "India Pale Ale" was first recorded in 1835 in the Liverpool Mercury. Beer drinkers in England embraced this export-style pale ale, and by the 1840s, India Pale Ale became one of England's best-selling beers.

The popularity of IPAs in England waned by the start of the 20th century due to the introduction of new styles and increased taxes on higher-gravity beers. However, the early beginnings of the craft beer revolution in America during the 1970s and 1980s brought IPAs back into the spotlight. American brewers revived the original English recipes while incorporating new styles of hops, leading to the creation of American IPAs.

Over time, the creativity of brewers gave rise to various styles of IPAs, such as West Coast IPAs, East Coast IPAs, Session IPAs, Imperial or Double IPAs, and New England IPAs (also known as Hazy IPAs). Each style offers unique characteristics in terms of flavour, bitterness, aroma, and alcohol content.

Today, IPAs continue to be a popular style of beer worldwide, with craft brewers embracing the style and adding their regional twists. The popularity of IPAs has also led to the creation of hybrid styles, such as the Black IPA and the White IPA.

Frequently asked questions

IPA stands for Indian Pale Ale or India Pale Ale. It is a type of beer that was first brewed in England during the eighteenth century. IPAs are known for their strong hop flavour and high alcohol content.

There are several types of IPAs, including:

- West Coast IPA: Hoppy, fruity, and crisp with some bitter varieties.

- New England IPA: Hazy, with intense fruit flavours and low carbonation.

- Session IPA: Lower alcohol content, usually less than 5% ABV.

- British IPA: Hoppy and one-note, without the burst of fruit found in other IPAs.

Abita Brewing Company produces several IPAs, including Jockamo Juicy IPA, Wrought Iron IPA, and Jockamo I.P.A.

APA stands for American Pale Ale, which is a light-coloured, hoppy beer brewed with mostly pale malt and Cascade hops, giving it a citrusy flavour. IPAs, on the other hand, are darker and more bitter, with a higher concentration of crystal malt, resulting in a characteristic amber colour and biscuit taste.

IPAs have gained popularity due to their unique flavour profile, which sets them apart from other craft beers. They are hoppier and more bitter than most beers, offering a refreshing change for drinkers seeking something different. Additionally, IPAs are often associated with the craft beer movement, which has contributed to their appeal.

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