The History of IPAs: From British Imperialism to Craft Beer Domination
India Pale Ales, or IPAs, are one of the most popular and diverse beer styles today. But where did they come from, and how did they evolve into the hop-forward beers we know and love? The story of IPAs is packed with history, innovation, and a fair bit of myth. Let’s dive into it.
Early British Pale Ales and the Role of the East India Company
To understand IPAs, we need to go back to the early 1700s in Britain. At this time, British brewers were producing a variety of pale ales. However, there was a major problem when it came to shipping beer to British expats and soldiers stationed in India—beer often spoiled on the long, four-to-six-month journey. The rocking of the ships, the heat, and the time at sea all contributed to inconsistent quality.
One of the earliest solutions came from George Hodgson’s Bow Brewery in London. His brewery was conveniently located near the East India Company’s docks, and he provided beers that were packed with extra hops, which acted as a natural preservative. These heavily hopped pale ales arrived in India still fresh and drinkable. Over time, British expats in India developed a taste for these hoppy ales, which were later referred to as India Pale Ales (IPAs).
Burton-on-Trent and the Birth of the Modern IPA
By the late 1700s and early 1800s, Hodgson’s monopoly on the Indian market ended, and breweries in Burton-on-Trent became the new leaders in IPA production. The secret? Burton’s water.
Burton-on-Trent has water that’s high in gypsum, which enhances the crispness of hop bitterness and gives IPAs their distinctive edge. This discovery helped define the IPA as we know it today.
One of the major brewers to step in was Alsop’s Brewery, followed by Bass and other Burton-based brewers. By the mid-1800s, IPAs were widely exported, not just to India but across the British Empire.
IPAs in America: The Rise of Bold, Hoppy Brews
By the late 1800s, IPAs had spread beyond Britain, and breweries in America began making their own versions. However, the style started to decline with the rise of refrigeration and new brewing techniques, which allowed for lighter lagers to dominate the beer market.
Fast forward to the 1970s, and IPAs were about to get a major revival, thanks to the craft beer movement. One of the biggest game-changers was the development of the Cascade hop at Oregon State University in the 1970s. Cascade hops brought bright, citrusy, floral aromas, defining what would become the American IPA.
American brewers took the British IPA and made it their own:
West Coast IPAs – Intensely bitter, resinous, and bursting with citrus and pine.
New England IPAs (NEIPAs) – Juicy, hazy, and fruit-forward, with lower bitterness.
Double & Triple IPAs – Even bigger, bolder, and more alcoholic versions of the style.
Modern IPAs: A Global Phenomenon
Today, IPAs are one of the most diverse and experimental beer styles in craft brewing. They showcase hops in ways that no other style can, making them perfect for testing new hop varieties. Some of the latest trends include:
Session IPAs – Lower in alcohol but still packed with hop aroma.
Hazy IPAs – Less bitter, with a smooth, juicy mouthfeel.
Cold IPAs – A crisper, cleaner take on the traditional IPA, often brewed with lager yeast.
IPAs are now brewed all over the world, from the US to Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. Each region brings its own twist, using local hops, unique brewing methods, and different water profiles to create distinct flavours.
Final Thoughts: Why IPAs Are Here to Stay
The IPA has come a long way from its early days as a beer built for long sea voyages. It has transformed, evolved, and been reinvented multiple times, keeping it fresh and exciting for beer lovers. Whether you love a crisp British IPA, a piney West Coast IPA, or a juicy New England IPA, there’s an IPA out there for everyone.
So next time you crack open an IPA, take a moment to appreciate the history in your glass—because this beer style has traveled a long way to get here. 🍻