Top 10 English IPA (India Pale Ales)
This Top Ten English IPA or India Pale Ales list is from the results of the U.S. Open Beer Championship, Great American Beer Festival, and World Beer Cup. India pale ales are characterized by medium-high hop bitterness with a medium to high alcohol content. Hops from a variety of origins may be used to contribute to a high hopping rate. Note that “earthy and herbal English-variety hop character” is the perceived end, but may be a result of the skillful use of hops of other national origins. This pale gold to deep copper-colored ale has a medium to high, flowery hop aroma and may have a medium to strong hop flavor. English-style India pale ales possess medium maltiness and body. ABV: 5.10% – 7.10%. IBU: 35-65.
1. Union Jack – Firestone Walker Brewing – California
2. Independence Pass Ale – Aspen Brewing – Colorado
3. Stingray – Coronado Brewing Company – California
4. Silverspot IPA – Pelican Brewing – Oregon
5. Shanghai’d IPA – Old Town Brewing – Oregon
6. HopShock IPA – SanTan Brewing – Arizona
7. Monumental IPA – Port City Brewing – Virginia
8. Two Hearted Ale – Bells Brewery – Michigan
9. Head Hunter IPA – Fat Head’s Brewery & Saloon – Ohio
10. PsycHOPathy – Madtree Brewing – Ohio
History of English India Pale Ales
The English India Pale Ale (IPA) emerged in the late 18th century, driven by the need to supply beer to British troops and colonists in India. Brewers in England, particularly in London and Burton-upon-Trent, faced the challenge of preserving beer during the long sea voyage around the Cape of Good Hope, which could last up to six months. By the 1780s, George Hodgson of the Bow Brewery pioneered a solution: a pale ale with higher alcohol content and generous hopping, which acted as a natural preservative. These beers, initially called “pale ale as prepared for India,” were lighter in color than porters and stouts, with a robust bitterness that appealed to the British expatriate palate. The term “India Pale Ale” was first documented in an 1829 advertisement in Australia, reflecting the style’s growing export popularity.
By the mid-19th century, IPA became a staple in both colonial markets and Britain, with Burton brewers like Bass and Allsopp refining the style using the region’s hard, sulfate-rich water, which enhanced hop bitterness and clarity. The style’s prominence waned in the early 20th century due to changing tastes, stronger taxation, and the rise of milder ales, but it saw a revival in the late 20th century with the craft beer movement. American brewers, starting in the 1970s, reimagined IPA with bold, citrusy hop profiles using New World varieties like Cascade, leading to the modern American IPA. Meanwhile, English IPA retained its traditional character—earthy, floral hops like Fuggle and Golding, balanced malt, and moderate alcohol (typically 5-7% ABV). Today, English IPA remains a nod to its historical roots, distinct from its more aggressive American cousin.
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