What Is IPA Beer? India Pale Ale Explained for Australian Drinkers

What does IPA stand for?

IPA stands for India pale ale. The style grew out of English pale ales brewed in the 1700s with extra hops, which the story says helped the beer survive the long sea voyage to India.

Whatever the exact history, modern IPA is a craft-beer staple and one of the most widely brewed styles in the world, including in Australia.

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What does IPA taste like?

An IPA is defined by hops. Expect noticeable bitterness and aromas of grapefruit, orange, pine, resin, tropical fruit or floral notes, depending on the hop varieties used. A malt backbone balances the bitterness.

Bitterness is measured in IBU, or international bitterness units, though the sweetness and malt in the beer change how bitter it actually tastes.

What are the main IPA styles?

A West Coast IPA is clear, dry and assertively bitter with piney, resinous hops. A hazy or New England IPA is cloudy and soft, with juicy tropical fruit flavours and low bitterness.

Session IPAs are lower in alcohol for easier drinking, and double or imperial IPAs are stronger and richer. English IPAs are more restrained and malt-led.

How strong is an IPA?

Most IPAs are around 5 to 7.5 percent ABV, with session IPAs closer to 4 percent and double IPAs at 8 percent or more. Always check the label, because the same style can vary.

Remember that an Australian standard drink contains 10 grams of alcohol, so stronger beers use up more standard drinks per glass.

How is IPA different from pale ale and lager?

Pale ale is a gentler, less hoppy cousin of IPA, while lager is fermented cool with a different yeast and usually tastes cleaner and less fruity. IPA is hoppier and often stronger than both.

If you find IPAs too bitter, start with a pale ale or a hazy IPA. Our lager range offers a gentler step.

What food goes with IPA?

The bitterness and carbonation of an IPA cut through rich and spicy food. Try it with burgers, fried chicken, curries, tacos, barbecue and sharp cheddar.

Citrusy IPAs also match grilled seafood. Avoid very delicate dishes, which a hoppy beer would overwhelm.

How should you serve IPA?

Serve IPA cold but not freezing, at about 7 to 10 degrees Celsius, in a tulip or pint glass so the aromas can open. Very cold temperatures mute the hop character.

Hops fade quickly, so drink IPA fresh. Check the packaged-on or best-before date and store cans and bottles cold and out of sunlight.

What is the meaning of IPA on the label?

When you see IPA on a label, it signals a hop-driven pale ale, usually with a bolder flavour than a standard lager. Words such as hazy, West Coast, session, double or New England tell you the style.

Check the ABV and the style description to find a version that suits your taste.

How do you choose an IPA?

If you like bitterness, choose a West Coast IPA. If you like fruit and softness, choose a hazy IPA. If you want to drink more than one, choose a session IPA.

See the current beers in our India pale ale collection. We deliver insured across Australia, and an adult (18+) must sign for every delivery.

Which hops give IPAs their flavour?

Brewers choose hop varieties for the aromas they create. Cascade and Centennial are known for citrus and floral notes, while Citra and Mosaic are known for tropical fruit, and many Australian and New Zealand hops add passionfruit and stone fruit.

The timing matters too. Hops added early in the boil add bitterness, and hops added late or after fermentation, called dry hopping, add aroma without much bitterness.

How do you taste an IPA properly?

Pour the beer into a clean glass, look at the colour and clarity, and smell it before you sip. Take a small sip, let it spread across your tongue and notice the bitterness, the fruit and the finish.

Compare two or three IPAs side by side to learn the difference between West Coast, hazy and session styles.

How do you buy online from Doctors of Whisky?

Doctors of Whisky is a Sydney-based online bottle shop. Browse the collection, add bottles to your cart and choose PayID, bank transfer, Bitcoin or USDT at checkout; paying with Bitcoin or USDT takes 12% off.

The minimum order is $300 AUD. Orders of $1,500 AUD or more ship free by express courier, and a flat $75 AUD fee applies below that. Delivery is insured, and an adult (18+) must sign for every parcel.

How can you drink responsibly in Australia?

The Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol recommend no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than four standard drinks on any one day. A standard drink contains 10 grams of alcohol, and the label on every bottle shows the number of standard drinks.

Pace yourself, eat before and while you drink, alternate with water, and never drive after drinking. You must be 18 or over to buy alcohol.