My favorite type of beer out there has to be the beautiful IPA. India pale ale is characterized by it's big hop aroma and flavor along with it's boost in alcohol. But why stuff all this goodness in the bottle? Well it all started when in the 17th and 18th century when some non-local brewing companies started exporting there beer to India in hopes of gaining a foothold in the market. Unfortunately most beers would spoil rather quickly without refrigeration, which was why most breweries of the time distributed in there local area only. I think that would be awesome, imagine getting your brew down the road a piece? Knowing the brewer and his family and all that... small town style! Anyway, they discovered that by adding more hops and boosting the alcohol content to there "pale ale" (which is named for the malt used in brewing) it would last much longer and hence complete the long journey. This is of course the short short version of which you can find more detailed info around the net.
What I love about this beer is the vast different tastes, aromas and characteristics that make up this up and coming style.
- Some are very bitter and dark in color with hints of pine and citrus.
- Some are lighter in color, less bitter and sweeter with heavy grapefruit flavors.
- Some are floral along with citrus with a nice balance of bitter and sweet.
My favorite thus far is a brew named "Hopslam" by Bells brewing in Kalamazoo Michigan. It's a seasonal IPA style beer that is magic to the pallet.
It is light and aromatic with grapefruit, orange and peach. It's clear and has a light mouthfeel that make you forget the high alcohol content (10%). And it tastes like it smells, like sweet grapefruit, orange and peach juice with a nice even bitterness. It's a beautiful thing! If you can find it grab it.
You may have a different taste for this great style of ale so don't be afraid try them all. Let me know some of your favs!
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