Bitter IPA and Its Flavorful History

IPA (India Pale Ale) has an interesting history. Like many great achievements, IPA developed as a result of necessity. During the 1700s, the British Empire established itself in India, and the British East India Company began heavy trading. It wasn't long before there was a great demand for beer. Typical beers of the day, such as porters, were bottled in England for the approximate six-month journey to India. Needless to say, the extensive voyage (which included rounding the Cape of Good Hope) proved unkind; beer arrived flat, and all around disagreeable.

After a bit of manipulation, a man named George Hodgson discovered a solution to spoilage: increased amount of hops and alcohol warded off bacteria and other undesirables. In fact, Hodgson increased the amount of hops a great deal… the result was a beer that tasted very bitter. India Pale Ale was born.

Bitterness remains one of the strongest qualities of IPA today. IPA is generally high in alcohol content (5.5% or greater) and golden to amber in color. The hops used to make IPA typically have a citric character. IPA's high alcohol content make it difficult to find in areas of the country which have low alcohol caps. Rest assured, this is not a beer you slam a case of during Sunday's big game. Due to IPA's strong hoppy flavor, it works best when served with a food of equal strength, and is often paired with spicy foods. Mexican enchiladas, pizza, and Buffalo wings make serious contenders for the perfect IPA counterpart.

IPA has become tremendously popular with microbrewers in the US. Following typical American rationale: if a little is good, a lot must be great, many brewers pride themselves on concocting brawny IPAs, which are characterized by exceptionally strong bitterness, and incredibly high alcohol levels. Beer such as this is commonly referred to as Imperial India Pale Ale or American Double India Pale Ale. You'll have to be a massive hop enthusiast to raise more than a pint or two.

People tend to be IPA lovers or haters- let your taste buds make the decision.