The Strongest Ipas: A Beer Connoisseur's Ultimate Adventure

India Pale Ales (IPAs) are known for their high hops content, which gives them a signature bitterness. While not all IPAs are bitter, they often have relatively high alcohol content. The style originated in Britain during the 19th century as a riff on the standard pale ale, with more hops and a higher alcohol content, to withstand the long trip from England to India without refrigeration. Today, IPAs are broadly divided into regional categories like West Coast or New England, and there are numerous sub-styles, including hazy, double-hopped, and session IPAs. While there is no clear answer to which IPA is the strongest, some notable examples include the Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty IPA, the Russian River Pliny The Elder, and the BrewDog / Schorschbräu Strength in Numbers.

Characteristics of the Strongest IPA Beer:

What is an IPA beer?

India Pale Ale, or IPA, is a style of beer that originated in Britain during the 18th century. The name comes from the beer's original purpose: to be shipped to and consumed in the Indies, or British India. Hodgson, a London-based brewer, was the first to brew this type of beer, which was hoppier and stronger than typical beers of the time. The higher alcohol content and hops acted as preservatives, allowing the beer to survive the long journey to India and resulting in a longer shelf life.

Over time, the IPA evolved and spread internationally, with American craft breweries playing a significant role in its resurgence. The style is known for its characteristic hoppy flavour, with citrus and fruit notes, and a higher ABV (alcohol by volume) than most other beers. While IPAs are often associated with bitterness, modern interpretations explore a range of fruity flavours that can be derived from hops.

There are several variations of IPAs, including:

• English IPA: More subtle in aroma compared to American IPAs, with earthy flavours and lighter citrus notes.
• West Coast IPA: Originating in California, these IPAs have a flavour profile closer to English IPAs due to the use of crystal malt, resulting in a less dry beer.
• East Coast IPA: These IPAs emphasise piney hop flavours and a solid malt backbone. They serve as a bridge between English and West Coast IPAs.
• Double IPA or Imperial IPA: Contains more malts and hops to balance out the sweetness, resulting in a higher alcohol content.
• Triple IPA: Even drier and more bitter than other IPAs, with extremely high ABV levels, making them popular among seasoned beer drinkers.
• Session IPA: Designed for casual drinking, these IPAs have a lower ABV and are less hoppy, resembling English Pale Ales.

Why are IPAs stronger than regular beers?

India Pale Ales (IPAs) are known for their high alcohol content, which is often in the 5-7% ABV range, with some double IPAs going as high as 10% or 15%. The higher alcohol content in IPAs is due to a variety of factors, including the specific gravity of the beer, the amount of hops used, and the fermentation process.

IPAs are generally brewed with higher specific gravities, which results in a higher alcohol content by volume. Additionally, IPAs typically contain more hops than regular beers, which contributes to their higher alcohol content. Hops are highly aromatic and give IPAs their complex, bitter flavors. The increased use of hops also adds to the alcohol content of the beer.

The fermentation process of IPAs also contributes to their higher alcohol content. IPAs are fermented at much higher temperatures than lagers, which results in a higher ABV. The warm fermentation process, combined with the extra hops, makes IPAs one to two times stronger than most macro-brewed drinks.

The higher ABV of IPAs means that people tend to drink them slower, savouring the aromatics and complex flavours. The higher alcohol content also gives IPAs a smoother mouthfeel and a more distinctive taste compared to regular beers.

While the higher alcohol content is a defining trait of IPAs, it's important to note that there is variability in strength within any given style of beer, including IPAs. Some IPAs may have a lower ABV than regular beers, and there are also Session IPAs, which are designed to be lower in ABV so that they can be enjoyed in larger quantities during a drinking session.

What are the different types of IPAs?

India Pale Ale, or IPA, is a category of brews that has sparked interest and excitement in the world of craft beer. The term "IPA" encompasses a wide range of variations, each with its own unique characteristics. Here is a guide to help you navigate the diverse world of IPA styles:

British IPA:

The original style of IPA, British IPAs are hoppy golden ales that traditionally use British hops such as Fuggles and Goldings, imparting a grassy, earthy, and light citrus character. They typically have an ABV (alcohol by volume) between 6-7% and a dry finish.

West Coast IPA:

Originating in California, West Coast IPAs take inspiration from British IPAs but with a twist of American hops, such as Cascade, Citra, and Chinook. This combination gives them a strong citrus aroma with hints of pine and earthy notes. They tend to be less dry due to the use of crystal malt but are significantly more bitter than their British counterparts.

East Coast IPA:

East Coast IPAs share similarities with West Coast IPAs but with a key difference in the type of yeast used. East Coast brewers favour mutated, complex British yeasts that produce a range of flavours and aromas, including stone fruit, banana, and tropical notes. This style results in a less bitter, cloudier, and hazier beer.

Double IPA or Imperial IPA:

Double IPAs, also known as Imperial IPAs, are a response to drinkers' desire for more hops and higher bitterness. Brewers achieve this by using more malt, which also increases the alcohol content. These IPAs have a strong hop flavour profile with floral, piney, and citrus notes. They typically have a minimum ABV of 7.5% and can reach upwards of 12% or higher.

Session IPA:

Session IPAs are designed for casual drinking sessions, offering a balanced experience with a strong hoppy aroma and a lower alcohol content. The ABV typically stays below 5%, making them perfect for enjoying multiple beers in one sitting without overwhelming your palate.

Black IPA:

Also known as Cascadian Dark Ale, Black IPAs aim to combine the appearance of a stout with the hoppy aroma of a typical IPA. The darker malts contribute roasted flavours that blend with the floral, citrus, and piney notes of the hops. Well-crafted Black IPAs achieve a unique and delightful balance between these contrasting elements.

Belgian IPA:

Belgian IPAs are characterised by the use of Belgian yeast, which imparts clove and spicy notes commonly found in Hefeweizens and Belgian Tripels. They tend to be lighter in colour and have a more complex flavour profile, often with higher alcohol content than a standard IPA.

New England IPA:

The New England IPA, also known as the "hazy" IPA, is one of the most popular modern styles. It is known for its unfiltered, fruity character and low bitterness. The use of hops from Australia and New Zealand contributes to its sweeter flavour profile, including notes of pineapple and mango. New England IPAs typically have an ABV between 6% and 7.5%.

Fruit IPA:

Fruit IPAs have gained so much popularity that they now deserve their own category. The prominent use of grapefruit in these IPAs adds a burst of aroma and flavour while also lending acidity, amplifying the bitterness. This style of IPA is a refreshing, bitter, and fruity delight.

What are the best IPA beers?

India Pale Ales, or IPAs, have surged in popularity over the last decade, with a quarter of the top 20 beers on Beer Advocate's list being IPAs. They are known for their high hops content, which lends these brews a signature bitterness, but there's more to IPAs than just bite, with nuances that can range from the citrusy to herbaceous and even evergreen. Here are some of the best IPAs to try:

Hitachino Nest Classic Ale

This beer has flavour notes of bittersweet, spice, and hints of cedar. It pairs well with sushi and classic Alsatian dishes like Tarte Flambée and sauerkraut.

Magnolia Brewing Co. Proving Ground IPA

With flavour notes of brightly bitter, grapefruit, evergreen, and malt, this West Coast-style IPA is bright, crisp, and delicious. It pairs well with classic Italian food.

Interboro Premiere IPA

This East Coast-style IPA has flavour notes of tropical fruit, melon, and citrus. It's dry and balanced, super refreshing, and has a 6% ABV.

Kern River Citra Double IPA

This double IPA has flavour notes of bittersweet citrus and malt. It explodes with sweet citrus and is reminiscent of the first time you stuck your head in a bag of hops.

Maine Beer Company Lunch

With flavour notes of evergreen, citrus, and warm malted notes, this old-school, West Coast-style IPA is made in the best of ways, yet with a rustic unfiltered haze that'll appeal to the new school IPA drinkers.

Russian River Pliny The Elder

A top IPA list isn't complete without Russian River Pliny The Elder. It is the benchmark for the double IPA style, with flavour notes of white florals and citrus.

Burial Brewing Surf Wax IPA

With flavour notes of malt, pineapple, and a light bitterness, this IPA is great for a warm day. It hits all the needed hoppy high notes while being refreshing enough to drink a couple while soaking up the sun.

Industrial Arts Wrench IPA

This modern classic has become a beer bar staple, ticking all the boxes for a classic Hazy IPA: soft mouthfeel, overripe citrus, and tropical aromatics.

Sierra Nevada Dankful IPA

This IPA masterfully blends seven varieties of new and old-school hops without pushing too much juicy fruit. It has flavour notes of resinous evergreen and tropical fruit, with a remarkable balance and a clean, rich, and resounding bitterness.

Proclamation Tendril IPA

This New England IPA has wonderful flavour notes of grapefruit and melon, making it a total crusher for any time of the year.

Lagunitas Little Sumpin' Sumpin' Ale

This IPA is full of flavours and has a hoppy finish. It starts smooth and soft on the palate.

Tampa Bay Brewing Company Cloudy Donkey

This IPA is super aromatic with a soft mouthfeel and has a very cool can design. It won gold at the Best of Craft Beer Awards.

Belgium Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA

If you're looking for a complex, rich, and piney IPA, check out the Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA. It has 725 five-star reviews on Drizly, with folks gushing about the smooth taste.

Old Nation M-43 N.E. IPA

This hazy IPA has a wide variety of hops for a bolder flavour and tropical citrus accents to mellow out the bite.

Industrial Arts Power Tools IPA

Awarded a gold medal for Best American IPA at the 2022 New York State Craft Beer Competition, the Power Tools IPA from Industrial Arts Brewing Company has notes of clean malt and pungent citrus aromas.

Where can I buy IPA beers?

India Pale Ales (IPAs) are beers that are known for their strong flavour and high alcohol content. They are often labelled by hop level, such as double or triple IPAs, and can be bitter with citrusy, evergreen, or herbaceous notes.

IPAs can be purchased from a variety of places, including:

• Local liquor stores
• Breweries or brewpubs
• Beer subscription services
• Online retailers
• Grocery stores
• Restaurants and bars

Some popular online retailers that sell IPAs include:

• Drizly
• GiveThemBeer
• BeerAdvocate
• RateBeer

IPAs can also be purchased directly from brewery websites or through beer subscription services, such as Beer Advent Calendars. Many retailers offer delivery services, making it convenient to buy IPAs from the comfort of your home.

When purchasing IPAs, it is important to check the local alcohol laws and regulations, as some states or countries may have restrictions on the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages. Additionally, it is always advisable to drink responsibly and enjoy IPAs in moderation.

Frequently asked questions