An IPA beer is a hoppy beer style within the broader category of pale ale. The acronym IPA stands for "India Pale Ale" or "Indian Pale Ale". During British colonial times, sailors were looking for a beer recipe that would be easy to preserve on the long trips from Britain to India. The weather in India was too hot and too wet to brew good beer, so the sailors brewed a beer with lots of hops that could survive long journeys without going bad. And from these humble origins, the India Pale Ale was born.

IPAs are known for their characteristic hoppy flavor, with plenty of citrus and fruit notes. They have a higher ABV than most other types of beer, with an average of around 7-10%, although session IPAs are closer to your everyday beer at around 4-5%. The thing that sets IPAs apart from other craft beers is the taste. However, not every IPA is alike, and it’s worth knowing a little about the different styles of IPA. Some of the different types of IPA include:

• English IPA: This is the original style of IPA, with a malty, bitter, and one-noted taste.
• West Coast IPA: This style is known for its piney, resinous, and citrusy flavors.
• New England IPA: This style is unfiltered, which makes it hazy, and has a juicy, tropical, and citrusy flavor.
• Double/Imperial IPA: This style has a higher hop concentration than other IPAs, with a balance of hop flavor.
• Session IPA: This style is designed for casual drinking sessions, with a lower ABV and less hoppy taste.

Overall, IPAs have become increasingly popular and are now the signature of craft brewers worldwide.