Originally a pale ale brewed in London and shipped to India in the 1700s, It featured slightly elevated alcohol and hops to help survive the long journey. India Pale Ale, although it was not called this at the time, was originally dominated by George Hodgson’s Bow Brewery thanks to a relationship with the East India Company. After this arrangement abated, Samuell Allsopp, of Burton on Trent was commissioned to try and copy Hodgon’s beer. This resulted in a newer recipe, and returned as a dryer and more bitter example thanks to the local water, rich in sulfates. The modern British versions, no matter how departed from the original, are decidedly more malt forward, and less intense in both bitterness and hop aggressiveness than the American counterparts.
- ABV 5.0-7.5%
- IBU 40-60
- SRM 6-14
- Glassware Pint Glass
- Serving Temp 6-10°C
A gold to amber beer, fairly clear and with a decent and persistent head. Hop aroma will be obvious and floral with perhaps some citrus, but don’t expect those big American hop aromas. Look for the malt to be bready with some light caramel. You might get a little bit of sulfur as well as some low fruity esters. It’s a smooth and medium bodied beer with medium carbonation. Flavour follows aroma with high hops, medium malt, a very present but not overwhelming hop bitterness, ending with a dry finish and a lingering bitterness.