India Pale Ale (short: IPA ) is a top-fermented beer that belongs to the group of ales . The India Pale Ale is often incorrectly referred to as India n Pale Ale. The India Pale Ale is significantly stronger (6.6% - 12% alcohol content) and more bitter than its big brother - the Pale Ale .
India Pale Ale (IPA) originated in England in the mid-19th century. Based on the pale ales, the alcohol content was increased and more hops were used in the brewing process, so that the beers survived the sea route from England to the English colonies. (High alcohol content and large amounts of hops extend the shelf life of beer). This is why an IBU (International Biterness Unit) value of approx. 50 - 70 can be estimated for IPAs nowadays, with the hop bitterness in India Pale Ales not having an upper limit (e.g. Mikkeller 1000 IBU). However, the normal human palate no longer tastes a difference from around 120 IBU.
The India Pale Ale has also developed into further subcategories with styles such as the West Coast IPA (Crew Republic - In your face) , East Coast IPA, Northern European IPA (Sakiskiu - NEIPA) , Imperial IPA, Session IPA, New England IPA and Black IPA (Espiga - Black IPA) developed.