What Does "IPA" Actually Mean?

"IPA" is an initialism for India Pale Ale, a hoppy style of beer within the pale ale category.

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This style did not originate in India but was first brewed in England in the nineteenth century. The term "India pale ale" was first used in an advertisement printed in Australia's first newspaper in 1829.

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There are three main styles of IPAs: American-style IPA, English-style IPA, and Double or Imperial IPA.

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India Pale Ales are brewed and sold all over the world.

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American IPAs are normally brewed with characteristically American hops, like Cascade, Centennial, Citra, Columbus, Chinook, Simcoe, Amarillo, Tomahawk, Warrior, and Nugget.

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Depending on the brand and brewer, IPAs are made with varying amounts of hops, malt, and alcohol content. Iconic brads of IPAs include Samuel Adams IPA, Harpoon IPA, Brooklyn East India Pale Ale, Redhook IPA, and Goose Island IPA.

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Double IPAs, also called Imperial IPAs, are a much hoppier style of IPAs with alcohol content above 7.5 percent by volume.

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This article was originally published on September 13, 2014.