What Is an IPA Beer? A Guide to India Pale Ales

If you’ve ever looked at a beer menu and wondered what is an IPA, you’re definitely not alone. IPA stands for India Pale Ale, one of the most popular and widely brewed beer styles in the world. It is known for its bold hoppy character, citrusy aroma and refreshing bitterness.

In this beginners guide to India Pale Ales, we’ll explain what IPA means, where the style came from, what it tastes like, the main types of IPA, and how to choose the right one for your fridge. Whether you’re new to craft beer or already partial to a hop-packed pint, this guide will help you understand why IPA has become such a big deal.

Ready to taste the style for yourself? Browse our full IPA Beer Gifts for classic IPAs, session IPAs, hazy IPAs and modern craft favourites.

What Does IPA Stand For?

IPA stands for India Pale Ale. The name comes from the style’s historic association with beer exported from Britain to India during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Traditional pale ales were brewed with hops, but beers destined for long journeys needed extra protection. Hops act as a natural preservative, so stronger, hoppier pale ales were better suited to travelling long distances. Over time, this style became known as India Pale Ale.

Today, IPA beer is less about surviving a voyage across the ocean and more about big flavour. Modern IPAs are brewed to showcase hops, which can create notes of grapefruit, mango, pine, passion fruit, lemon, herbs, flowers and resin. In other words, it’s beer with a bit of attitude.

What Is an IPA Beer?

An IPA beer is a hop-forward style of pale ale. Compared with many traditional lagers or bitters, IPAs usually have more aroma, more bitterness and a bolder flavour profile.

The exact flavour depends on the hops used, the brewing method and the type of IPA. Some IPAs are crisp and bitter, while others are soft, hazy and bursting with tropical fruit flavour.

If you’re just getting into IPAs, a lower-strength session IPA or juicy pale ale can be a great place to start. Beer fans looking for something bolder may prefer a West Coast IPA, double IPA or DDH IPA.

Get started on your IPA journey by exploring our wide Pale Ale Collection.

Why Are IPAs So Hoppy?

The key to IPA beer is hops. Hops are the flowers of the hop plant, used in brewing to add bitterness, aroma and flavour. In IPAs, hops take centre stage.

Different hops produce different flavours. Some create citrus notes, while others bring tropical fruit, pine, spice, berry, floral or herbal character. Brewers can also add hops at different stages of the brewing process to change the final beer.

For example:

• Early hop additions create bitterness
• Late hop additions create flavour
• Dry hopping boosts aroma
• Double dry hopping creates an even bigger hop punch

This is why many IPAs smell as bold as they taste. If you’ve ever opened a can and immediately got hit with grapefruit, mango or pine, that’s the hops doing the heavy lifting.

Pale Ale vs IPA: What’s the Difference?

A common search gap is pale ale vs IPA, and it’s a useful one to answer because the styles are closely linked.

Pale ale is the broader beer style. IPA is a stronger, hoppier branch of pale ale. In simple terms, all IPAs are pale ales, but not all pale ales are IPAs.

Pale ales are usually more balanced, with moderate hop flavour and a smoother malt profile. IPAs tend to be more hop-forward, more aromatic and often more bitter.

If you want something gentler, start with pale ale. If you want something punchier, IPA is your pint.

Main Types of IPA Beer

One reason IPA is so popular is the sheer variety. There isn’t just one type of IPA. Brewers have created multiple sub-styles, each with its own character.

Session IPA

Session IPA is lighter in alcohol but still hop-forward. It’s designed to be refreshing, easy drinking and full of flavour without being too strong.

West Coast IPA

West Coast IPA is typically clear, crisp, bitter and piney, often with citrus and resin notes. It’s a classic choice for drinkers who enjoy a clean, sharp hop profile.

New England IPA

New England IPA, often called NEIPA, is usually hazy, juicy and soft. Expect tropical fruit flavours, lower bitterness and a fuller mouthfeel.

Double IPA

Double IPA, sometimes called DIPA, is stronger, bolder and more intense than a standard IPA. It often has higher alcohol content and a bigger hop flavour.

DDH IPA

DDH stands for double dry hopped. A DDH IPA is brewed with extra dry hopping to increase aroma and hop flavour. These beers are often intensely fragrant, juicy and expressive.

Is IPA Bitter?

Yes, IPA can be bitter, but not every IPA is aggressively bitter. Traditional and West Coast IPAs often have a sharper bitterness, while New England IPAs and hazy IPAs tend to be softer, juicier and less bitter.

Bitterness is usually measured in IBUs, which stands for International Bitterness Units. A higher IBU normally means more bitterness, although sweetness, body and hop aroma can affect how bitter the beer actually tastes.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll like IPA, start with a session IPA, juicy IPA or hazy pale ale. These styles often feel more approachable than intensely bitter IPAs.

Why Buy IPA Beer from Beerhunter?

Beerhunter stocks a wide range of IPA beer from leading craft breweries and international favourites. Whether you want a fridge-friendly session IPA, a juicy hazy IPA or a bold double IPA, we make it easy to discover new beers and stock up online.

Why shop IPA beer at Beerhunter?

• Wide selection of IPA beer and craft beer
• Session IPA, hazy IPA, DDH IPA and double IPA options
• Mixed cases for easy discovery
• Popular UK and world beer brands
• Great for gifts, BBQs and fridge filling
• Fast UK delivery available

If this guide has made you thirsty, browse our full IPA Beer Collection and find your next hop-packed favourite.

Frequently Asked Questions About IPA Beer

What is an IPA?

IPA stands for India Pale Ale. It is a hop-forward style of pale ale known for bold aroma, citrusy flavour and refreshing bitterness.

What does IPA stand for in beer?

IPA stands for India Pale Ale. The name comes from historic pale ales associated with export from Britain to India.

Is IPA stronger than normal beer?

Some IPAs are stronger than standard lagers, but not always. Session IPAs are lower in alcohol, while double IPAs are usually stronger.

What is a session IPA?

A session IPA is a lower-strength IPA designed to be easy drinking while still delivering plenty of hop flavour.

What is a DDH IPA?

DDH stands for double dry hopped. A DDH IPA uses extra dry hopping to create more hop aroma and flavour.