American-style India Pale Ale
7A. American-style India Pale Ale
Aroma A prominent to intense hop aroma with a citrusy, floral, perfume-like, resinous, piney, and/or fruity character derived from American hops. Many versions are dry hopped and can have an additional grassy aroma, although this is not required. Some clean malty sweetness may be found in the background, but should be at a lower level than in English examples. Fruitiness, either from esters or hops, may also be detected in some versions, although a neutral fermentation character is also acceptable. Some alcohol may be noted.
Appearance Color ranges from medium gold to medium reddish copper; some versions can have an orange-ish tint. Should be clear, although unfiltered dry-hopped versions may be a bit hazy. Good head stand should persist.
Flavor Hop flavor is medium to high, and should reflect an American hop character with citrusy, floral, resinous, piney or fruity aspects. Medium-high to very high hop bitterness, although the malt backbone will support the strong hop character and provide the best balance. Malt flavor should be low to medium, and is generally clean and malty sweet although some caramel or toasty flavors are acceptable at low levels. No diacetyl. Low fruitiness is acceptable but not required. The bitterness may linger into the aftertaste but should not be harsh. Medium-dry to dry finish. Some clean alcohol flavor can be noted in stronger versions. Oak is inappropriate in this style. Some sulfur may be present if sulfate water is used, but most examples do not exhibit this character.
Mouthfeel Smooth, medium-light to medium-bodied mouthfeel without hop-derived astringency, although moderate to medium-high carbonation can combine to render an overall dry sensation in the presence of malt sweetness. Some smooth alcohol warming can and should be sensed in stronger (but not all) versions. Dry hopping can provide an additional sensation of body. Body is generally lower than English counterparts.
Overall Impression A decidedly hoppy and bitter, moderately strong American pale ale.
History An American version of the historical English style, brewed using American ingredients and attitude.
Ingredients Pale ale malt (well-modified and suitable for single-temperature infusion mashing); American hops; American yeast that can give a clean or slightly fruity profile. Generally all-malt, but mashed at lower temperatures for high attenuation. Water character varies from soft to moderately sulfate.
| Vital Statistics | OG | 1.056 - 1.075 | ||
| IBUs | 40 - 60+ | FG | 1.010 - 1.018 | |
| SRM | 6 - 15 | ABV | 5.5 - 7.5% | |
Commercial Examples Anchor Liberty Ale, Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, Victory Hop Devil, Three Floyds Alpha King, Harpoon IPA, Bell's Two-Hearted Ale, Anderson Valley Hop Ottin, Stone IPA, Avery IPA, Founder's Centennial IPA.