India Pale Ales, or IPAs, are becoming some of the most popular craft beers in the world. They are literally starting to take over the craft beer revolution.
Think of the beers or breweries you hear about most. Alchemist Heady Topper, Russian River Pliny the Elder, Tree House Brewing Company Julius, Hill Farmstead Abner. They are all some of the most sought-after beers in the world, and they're all IPAs or DIPAs.
In fact, nine out of the top twenty beers of all time on Beer Advocate's list are IPAs. And now, the big name / mainstream breweries are starting to make their own IPAs. Look at Sam Adams, they come out with an IPA mix pack every year now.
But, why are these beers so popular? What makes them better than the rest? Here are a few reasons why:
Craft beer revolution
The first reason is the craft beer revolution. Micro / macro brews are becoming extremely popular, and that’s because of how they’ve been able to evolve the different styles of beers we drink. The big name breweries have tried to stick with what make them money. But, ever since craft beer started to peak interests’, people wanted something other than their standard go-to light beer.
Hops
I know it’s obvious, but India Pale Ales are full of hops. You take a sip of an IPA and your taste buds are hit by a wave of hops that leave you wanting more. This is the main difference between a pale ale and an IPA. During the brewing process, IPAs are aggressively hopped and that really shows in the aroma, taste and look. Read this blog for a further explanation of the beer brewing process.
Look
A lot of the most populare IPAs show off their ingredients. These IPAs (mostly dry hopped) have a cloudiness to them. There is a TON going on in every pint you drink. When poured correctly, the body and head of an IPA is a work of art. For some tips on the perfect beer pour, check out this blog.
Abundance
Because of the love of IPAs, every brewery is working on creating them. As an IPA lover, I am constantly finding new IPAs that I have never even heard of. Granted, I don’t like them all, but there are always ones that I add to my standard stock of beer.
India Pale Ales are definitely one of the most popular styles of beers right now. And, in my opinion, Vermont has some of the best IPAs the world has to offer. Check out this blog to see where to get the best of them.
But, what’s next? There are so many different styles that are contributing to this craft beer revolution. Are sours next? Maybe saisons? Start tasting and figure it out for yourself! Don't know the best way to taste and rate the beers you're sampling? Download the free guide on the basics of beer tasting below.
Cheers!
