What Is IPA Beer? A Complete Guide to This Craft Icon

IPA: Sweet or bitter, this style is never boring.

The Origins of India Pale Ale: A Bold History

India Pale Ale — better known as IPA — has nothing to do with curry or being brewed in India.

Back in the 18th century, British brewers needed a beer that could survive long voyages to colonial outposts. Their solution? A pale ale packed with hops and boosted in alcohol — two natural preservatives. The result: a stronger, more bitter beer that could go the distance.

That was just the beginning. The real explosion came centuries later, when craft brewers in the U.S., UK, and Europe took the old formula and pushed it far beyond traditional boundaries.

What Does This Style Taste Like?

If a classic lager is elevator music, this is a full-blown rock show.

Here’s what to expect:

• Bitterness – hops lead the charge

• Sweetness – not all IPA’s are bitter, especially the New England or higher ABV styles can present some sweetness

• Aromatic overload – citrus, pine, stone fruit, dank herbs

• Body & bite – often bold, sometimes smooth, never shy

• Flavour intensity – brewed to grab your attention but to be enjoyed any moment

Not all hop-forward beers taste the same though — let’s explore the variations.

From West Coast to NEIPA: Styles to Know

West Coast

The OG. Clear, dry and bitter. Refreshing for sure.

🔍 Typical hops: Centennial, Simcoe, Cascade

New England (NEIPA)

Hazy, juicy, and pillowy soft. Tastes like mango nectar with a citrusy twist — little to no bitterness.

🔍 Typical hops: Citra, Mosaic, Sabro

Double & Triple

These big boys crank it up — more hops, higher ABV, deeper flavours. Often 8–12% ABV. Approach with respect.

Session

Light, crisp, crushable. All the hop flavour, none of the buzzkill. Usually around 4%.

Why This Bold Style Took Over the Craft Scene

This isn’t just another beer — it’s the beating heart of craft culture.

Why? Because:

• It offers endless variations — hop combinations are nearly infinite

• It dares to be loud — in flavour, aroma, even appearance

• It’s a creative playground — dry hopping, double hopping, cryo hopping, barrel ageing… we’ve done it all

• It inspires fan followings — collab drops, can art, and hype cycles

IPA isn’t a trend. It’s the canvas for modern brewing creativity.

Moersleutel’s Hop-Driven Beers

We may be known for our massive stouts, but we take our hoppy projects just as seriously.

Our team loves experimenting with bitterness, haze, and punchy aromas. Expect beers like:

• A hazy double with Sabro and Strata

• A triple, dry-hopped within an inch of its life

• Wild yeast collabs with a fruity twist

When we brew something hop-forward, we want it to hit hard — with body, character, and Moersleutel-level impact.

🎯 Curious what that tastes like? Explore our hop selection →

Starting Your Journey Into Hoppy Beers

If you’re just getting into this flavour-forward style, here’s a roadmap:

• Start juicy – NEIPAs are the perfect entry point

• Explore bitterness – try West Coasts when you’re ready

• Take your time – high-ABV beers deserve slow sipping

• Glassware helps – a tulip glass enhances aroma

• Food pairings – spicy wings, fatty burgers, funky cheese? All amazing

And remember: your first IPA might shock you. That’s fine. The second or third might just convert you.

IPA FAQs: Your Burning Questions, Answered

❓ What does IPA mean in beer?

It stands for India Pale Ale, originally brewed strong and hoppy to survive ocean voyages from the UK to India.

❓ Are these beers stronger than regular lagers?

Often, yes. A typical IPA ranges between 5.5%–7.5%, while doubles and triples can soar to 12%.

❓ What’s the difference between the juicy and bitter styles?

West Coasts are dry, bitter, and resinous. New England IPAs (NEIPAs) are hazy, sweet, and juicy — often with tropical flavours.

📖 Want to dive deeper? Check out CraftBeer.com’s style guide

Final Thoughts

This isn’t a quiet beer. It’s a statement.

Whether bitter and dry or soft and juicy, hop-driven beers speak loudly.
They challenge expectations, excite the palate, and never settle for being ordinary.

At Moersleutel, we don’t brew beers to please everyone. We brew them to wake you up.
Come and have a good time with us. Cheers!

Want to learn more about Craft Beer? Read our Craft Beer Guide here.

Ready to dive into hops?
Explore Moersleutel IPAs →