Drinking Education / Lesson 01
Was it really invented for India?
What is an IPA?
A clear-eyed look at Britain’s export pale ales, why hops mattered, and how IPA became many different things.
In one minute
The useful answer
IPA is a family of hop-forward pale ales. Modern examples may taste of citrus, pine, tropical fruit, flowers or resin; bitterness ranges from gentle to formidable.
The real story
Where it came from
British brewers were already making strong, well-hopped pale ales before the Indian trade. George Hodgson’s London brewery became highly successful in India, but he did not suddenly invent a new beer to survive one voyage. Recipes and the market evolved over time, and Burton-on-Trent brewers later became major exporters.
Inside the brewery
How it happens
Pale malt keeps the base light enough for hops to lead. Brewers can add hops during the boil for bitterness, late for aroma, and after fermentation—dry hopping—for intense fragrance without equivalent bitterness.
Use your senses
What to look for
Evidence cabinet
