What Does IPA Stand For? A No-Nonsense Guide from Moersleutel

What Does IPA Stand For?

What does IPA stand for? It stands for India Pale Ale—a bold, hop-driven beer style that has become a craft beer favorite worldwide—and for good reason.
It’s fruity,  slightly bitter, and bursting with hop flavor. But the name often leaves new drinkers wondering: what’s India got to do with my beer?

A Quick History of IPA

The story goes like this: In the 18th century, British brewers made a pale ale with extra hops and alcohol to survive the long sea journey to British troops in India. The hops acted as a natural preservative, and the beer arrived fresh, bitter, and delicious.

And so, India Pale Ale was born—not brewed in India, but made for India.

➡️ Related: IPA vs Pale Ale: What’s the Difference?

So… What Is an IPA Today?

Fast-forward to now, and IPAs have evolved way beyond their British roots.

Today’s IPAs come in all shapes and sizes:

• West Coast IPA – dry, clear, bitter, piney

• New England IPA (NEIPA) – hazy, juicy, soft bitterness

• Double IPA (DIPA) – strong, hoppy, higher alcohol

• Session IPA – light, crisp, lower alcohol

• Brut IPA – dry and sparkling, almost champagne-like

No matter the style, the heart of an IPA is always the same: hops. IPAs are built to showcase aroma, bitterness, and hop flavor.

➡️ Learn more: What is a NEIPA?

What Does an IPA Taste Like?

Most IPAs taste:

• Fruity (like mango, peach, grapefruit)

• Citrusy or piney

• Dry or slightly sweet

• Bitter

• Bold

The exact flavors depend on the hops and how the beer was brewed. At Moersleutel, we love IPAs that explode with juiciness and aroma, like Fruit Bomb.

Beginner Tips for Drinking IPA

If you’re new to IPAs, don’t worry—you’ll love it!

Try this:

• Start with a NEIPA or Session IPA—they’re softer and less bitter

• Pair it with food: spicy snacks or salty cheese work great

• Pour into a glass: smell is half the experience

• Try it as fresh as possible: IPAs lose aroma over time. Ideally you drink your IPA within 6 months.

➡️ Curious about food? Read: Beer and Food Pairing: Food Tips with Moersleutel Beers

Common IPA Myths

• ❌ “IPAs are too strong.” – Not all! Session IPAs are light and easy.

• ❌ “IPAs are always bitter.” – Many modern IPAs are juicy, not bitter at all.

• ❌ “I tried one IPA once, and I didn’t like it.” – There are dozens of substyles. Keep tasting or ask your local bartender for a small sip to taste!

Final Sip: IPA Means Flavor

So, what does IPA stand for?
Technically: India Pale Ale.
Realistically: Intense. Punchy. Addictive.
Whether you’re new to craft beer or looking for your next go-to hop bomb, IPA is the style that started it all.