If you\u2019re just stepping into the world of craft beer, one of the first of many acronyms you\u2019ll hear is \u201cIPA\u201d. The IPA beer (short for India Pale Ale, not Indian Pale Ale, though this is a common mistake) is one of the most popular styles of craft beer in the United States. It is a favorite among American craft brewers, and has been the flagship beer of the craft beer movement for several years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While there are several types of IPAs, the main factor that differentiates this popular beer style from other styles of beer is that its characteristics are mostly defined by the hops used in the brewing process, resulting in a hoppy beer. IPAs are a more bitter beer than classic lagers. They are an acquired taste that many non-craft beer drinkers initially find unpleasant. Once the taste is acquired, they are one of the most flavorful and dynamic beers available today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IPAs are diverse. They range from high to low alcohol by volume (ABV). IPAs can be light to dark in color. They can be extremely bitter or have virtually no bitterness. They can be very diverse in flavor and aroma. Despite the wide range of aromas, flavors, appearance, and mouthfeel between various IPAs, they all have one thing in common. It\u2019s all about the hops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n