Imperial Ipa Beer: A Strong, Hoppy Brew

Imperial India Pale Ale, or Imperial IPA, is a stronger, more hoppy version of the American IPA. It has a higher alcohol content, a more bitter taste, and a darker colour. Imperial IPAs are also known as Double IPAs, and sometimes Triple or Quad IPAs. They are characterised by a robust profile of malts and hops, and typically have an ABV of 7.5% to 10%. The style is believed to have been invented by Vinnie Cilurzo, founder of Russian River Brewing, in 1994.

History of Imperial IPA

The Imperial India Pale Ale (IPA) is a stronger version of the American IPA, boasting a more hoppy flavour, aroma, and bitterness. It is also darker in colour and higher in alcohol content. The term "Imperial" comes from the Russian Imperial Stout, a strong version of the English and Irish stout brewed for the Russian court in the late 1700s.

The Imperial IPA is also known as the Double IPA, with some breweries even offering Triple and Quad IPAs. The "Double" refers to the increased amount of ingredients, particularly hops, which results in higher alcohol content and a richer hop character. The style is believed to have originated with Vinnie Cilurzo, currently the owner of Russian River Brewing Company in California, in 1994 at the now-defunct Blind Pig Brewery in Temecula, California. The first beer was called Inaugural Ale and is considered the first Imperial IPA in America.

The Imperial IPA is characterised by a high hop bitterness, flavour, and aroma. The hop character is fresh and evident from the utilisation of any variety of hops. The alcohol content is medium-high to high, with a medium-high to full body. The colour ranges from deep gold to medium amber, and the beer should have a moderate-sized, persistent, and white to off-white head.

The Imperial IPA is a relatively young style of beer, with brewers continuously adapting it to meet their needs. It is a popular style among craft beer lovers, especially those who enjoy the original India Pale Ale flavour and are looking for something with a more hoppy flavour.

Imperial IPA vs IPA

India Pale Ale (IPA) is a type of beer that originated in England during the British Empire. Sailors travelling between England and India would bring bags of hops, a preservative, which would ferment and give the beer a bitter taste.

Over time, different types and styles of IPA have appeared, and today, IPAs are known for their high ABV and bitter taste. However, with so many different types and brewing techniques, this is not always the case, and IPAs can be suited to all palettes.

Imperial IPAs, also known as Double IPAs, are a stronger, hoppier version of standard IPAs. They have a more robust profile of malts and hops, resulting in a higher alcohol content. Imperial IPAs tend to have an ABV of at least 8%, with some going as high as 10% or higher, at which point they may also be called "triple" IPAs.

In terms of taste, Imperial IPAs are darker and more bitter than traditional IPAs. They have higher IBU (International Bitterness Unit) ratings, typically ranging from 65 to 100, compared to 50-70 for standard IPAs.

While similar in taste profiles, the main differences between IPAs and Imperial IPAs are the higher alcohol content and bitterness of Imperial IPAs.

Alcohol content

Imperial India Pale Ale (IIPA) is a stronger version of the American IPA, with a more intense hoppy flavour, aroma, and bitterness. The alcohol content of Imperial IPAs is notably higher than that of standard IPAs, typically ranging from 7.6% to 10.6% ABV (Alcohol By Volume). Some sources state that Imperial IPAs, also known as Double IPAs, start at 7.0% ABV, while others suggest that any IPA above 7.5% ABV is considered an Imperial.

The higher alcohol content in Imperial IPAs is a result of the increased use of hops and malt during the brewing process. The term "double" in Double IPA refers to the greater quantity of ingredients used, particularly hops, which amplifies both the alcohol content and the hop character.

The Imperial IPA style of beer was developed by American craft brewers in response to the popularity of the American IPA. The increased bitterness and alcohol content of Imperial IPAs set them apart from other beers, including the original India Pale Ales.

While Imperial IPAs have a higher alcohol content than standard IPAs, they are not the strongest beers available. Triple and Quad IPAs take the Imperial IPA even further, resulting in very strong beers that are best consumed in moderation.

Flavour and aroma

Imperial IPAs, also known as Double IPAs, are a more robust version of the classic India Pale Ale. They have a more intense hop profile, with a stronger aroma and flavour. The hops are more aggressive in both aroma and flavour, but the beer is not aggressively bitter. The hop character is fresh and evident, with citrus and pine-like tones. The malt character is medium to high, and the fruity ester aroma and flavour are high. The beer ranges in colour from deep gold to medium amber, with some darker varieties also available.

The higher alcohol content of Imperial IPAs is created by the increased use of hops in the brewing process. The alcohol content is typically above 7%, with a range of 6.0%-8.4% ABV, although some sources state that it can be as high as 7.5%-10% ABV. The higher alcohol content gives the beer a more full-bodied character.

The increased use of hops in Imperial IPAs results in a more bitter taste compared to standard IPAs. The bitterness is rated at 65-100 IBU (International Bitterness Units), which is higher than the 50-70 IBU rating of standard IPAs. The higher bitterness is well-suited to pairing with salty and umami foods, such as pungent cheeses and cured meats.

The aroma of Imperial IPAs is characterised by the strong presence of hops, with a fresh and evident character. The citrus and pine-like tones of the hops come through in the aroma, creating a zesty and hoppy fragrance. The malt character is also present in the aroma, although it is not as dominant as the hops.

The flavour of Imperial IPAs is a balance between the strong presence of hops and the medium to high malt character. The hops contribute a fresh and evident character, with citrus and pine-like tones. The malt adds a slight sweetness and a more full-bodied character to the beer. The fruity ester flavour is also high, adding to the complexity of the beer.

Food pairings

Imperial IPAs are a stronger version of the American IPA, with a more robust profile of malts and hops, resulting in a higher alcohol content. This style of beer is characterised by its bold flavours and intense hop aromas, which can be challenging to pair with food. However, when paired correctly, Imperial IPAs can complement and enhance the dining experience.

When pairing Imperial IPAs with food, it is important to consider the intense flavours and aromas of the beer. The key to a successful pairing is to match the intensity of the beer with equally bold and flavourful dishes. Proteins such as grilled chicken, steak, or roasted potatoes can stand up to the boldness of Imperial IPAs. The Maillard Reaction, the browning of proteins, creates flavours that complement the malty notes in the beer.

Fat is also an important factor when pairing with Imperial IPAs. Fats help to protect and preserve the palate, allowing you to fully appreciate the complex flavours of the beer. Dishes like seared chicken with a tablespoon of butter, grilled fish with aioli, or roasted potatoes with a side of aioli can all benefit from the addition of fat.

In addition to proteins and fats, fresh herbs such as parsley, tarragon, chives, and dill can also enhance the flavours of Imperial IPAs. Using herbs and a squeeze of lemon in your cooking, or even substituting vinegar for lemon juice in salad dressings, can create a more harmonious pairing.

For those with a sweet tooth, Imperial IPAs can also pair surprisingly well with desserts. Vanilla ice cream, cream cheese frosting, and carrot cake can all find a friend in this style of beer. The slight sweetness of some Imperial IPAs can complement desserts, while the hops add intensity to the spice.

When exploring food pairings with Imperial IPAs, it is important to remember that this style of beer has a more robust and intense flavour profile than a standard IPA. Therefore, it is best to choose dishes with strong, bold flavours that can stand up to the beer's intensity. With the right pairings, Imperial IPAs can elevate the dining experience and showcase their unique characteristics.

Frequently asked questions