IPAs
Discover the Hoppy, Bitter Flavours of IPA Beer in Singapore
India Pale Ale, better known as IPA, has become one of the most popular craft beer styles in Singapore and around the world. This hop-forward, high-alcohol beer originated centuries ago for British troops in India and is now a hit for its bold, bitter taste.
What Is IPA Beer?
IPA stands for India Pale Ale. The story goes that it was first brewed in England in the 1800s for British merchants travelling to India. The higher alcohol content and abundant hops acted as preservatives, allowing the beer to survive the long sea voyage without spoiling.
Today, IPAs are brewed everywhere from the United States to Belgium to Australia, with each country putting its own spin on the style while keeping its highly hopped and bitter profile. An American IPA highlights citrus and pine hop flavours while Belgian IPAs feature spicy and fruity yeast characteristics.
What Does IPA Taste Like?
IPAs are known for their distinct and varied flavours. Each IPA is a bit different, depending on the specific style of IPA and the individual brewery's recipe. That said, there are some common characteristics and flavour profiles associated with IPAs. Let’s take a look at these fundamentals:
- Hoppy: IPAs are characterised by a prominent hop flavour and aroma. These hops add floral, citrusy, piney, or fruity notes to the beer. The particular type of hops used and the exact timing of the brewing process will seriously influence the specific hop flavours but, regardless of the exact profile, you will always notice this strong hops taste.
- Bitterness: In most IPAs, you will notice a higher level of bitterness, which is a result of the hops that are added to the boiling stage of the brewing process. This bitterness can vary from mild to intense, with some double IPAs (DIPAs) and triple IPAs having incredibly high levels of bitterness.
- Malt Balance: While the focus of an IPA is on hops, there is still malt. This malt backbone provides a balancing sweetness and can give subtle tastes of caramel, toffee, or biscuit, depending on the malt used.
- Alcohol: IPAs generally have a higher alcohol content than lighter beer styles. In the best IPAs, the alcohol provides warmth and mild sweetness but isn’t overpowering or boozy.
- Fruitiness: Certain IPAs, especially New England IPAs (NEIPAs) or hazy IPAs, have a pronounced fruity character that comes from alpha acids in hops. That might mean tropical fruit, stone fruit, or citrus notes, which come from both the hops and the yeast used in fermentation.
- Yeast Characteristics: The yeast used in IPA fermentation can also play a role in flavour. Some yeast strains create subtle fruity, while others bring a clean and neutral fermented taste.
- Herbal or Spicy Notes: Depending on the hop varieties and adjuncts used, IPAs can exhibit herbal or spicy flavours, which adds complexity to the beer's taste.
- Dry Finish: A lot of IPAs have a dry finish, meaning that they don't leave a sweet or syrupy sensation on your palate. This dryness can enhance the perceived bitterness and make the beer more refreshing.
- Cloudiness: Some IPAs, especially hazy or juicy IPAs, have a cloudy look because of the suspended yeast and hop particles. This cloudiness can also affect the perception of the beer's taste and mouthfeel.
What Are the Types of IPAs in Singapore?
Of all of the speciality beers delivered in
Singapore, the IPAs are always amongst the most popular picks. But, how do you
get started with IPAs? Here’s a quick and easy guide to the different kinds of
IPA beers.
American IPA
- Prominent hop presence with floral, citrus, pine, or resinous flavours and aromas.
- Typically balanced with a medium malt backbone and a clean fermentation profile.
- Often clear in appearance, and bitterness levels can vary from moderate to high.
New England IPA (NEIPA)
- Known for its hazy or cloudy appearance caused by the grains, yeast, and dry hopping techniques.
- Juicy and fruity hop character, often with tropical fruit, citrus, and stone fruit notes.
- Minimal bitterness and a smooth, soft mouthfeel.
Double IPA (DIPA) or Imperial IPA
- A stronger and happier version of the American IPA, usually with a higher alcohol content.
- Intense hop flavours and aromas, typically with a pronounced malt sweetness.
- Bitterness ranges from moderate to very high.
Black IPA or Cascadian Dark Ale
- Hoppy characteristics of an IPA blended with the roasted malt flavours of a stout or porter.
- Dark, roasted malt notes alongside hoppy bitterness and aromas.
- Perfect balance between the malt and hops.
Belgian IPA
- Hoppy characteristics of an IPA with Belgian yeast strains, giving it a fruity and spicy flavour.
- Dry finish and a higher carbonation level.
- Slightly hazy appearance.
Session IPA
- Lower in alcohol content (typically under 5% ABV) to allow for extended drinking sessions.
- Hop-forward flavours but with a lighter body and lower bitterness.
- Crisp, refreshing, and easy-drinking.
White IPA
- Characteristics of a Belgian Witbier (wheat beer) blended with an IPA.
- Citrusy and spicy notes of the hops and added ingredients like orange peel and coriander.
- Hazy appearance.
West Coast IPA
- Clear appearance.
- Hop bitterness and aroma.
- Classic American hop with piney, resinous, and citrusy notes.
- Balanced malt taste that is not as pronounced as in some other IPA styles.
Milkshake IPA
- NEIPA style with lactose and oats added, creating a sweetness and creaminess.
- Fruit added for flavour complexity.
- Hazy appearance and a dessert-like quality.
Triple IPA (TIPA)
- Stronger and hoppier version of the Double IPA, with much higher alcohol content.
- Intense hop flavours, often with a pronounced malt sweetness.
- Bitterness can be very high, and it's a style for those who appreciate bold and robust flavours.
These are just a few examples of the incredibly diverse array of IPA styles out there. The international and local Singapore craft beer scene is constantly innovating with new and exciting variations popping up all of the time. Each style offers a unique tasting experience, and a chance to explore the wide range of hop profiles, malt characteristics, and brewing techniques.
IPA Beer Delivery in Singapore
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