IPA is an ale beer that is defined by its high hop load, which gives it intense citrus, pine and tropical fruit flavours and aromas, accompanied by notable bitterness and a lighter malt profile.
It is the most popular style in craft beer. Today the "IPA" category is usually applied to modern American IPAs and their derivatives (this does not mean English IPAs, India Pale Ales, are not IPAs in their own right, but we intentionally do not describe "IPA" as "India Pale Ale"). An English IPA has less hop intensity and a more pronounced malt flavour (English character) than typical American versions.
In modern craft beer, the term IPA has become a style defined by balance: bitter and moderately strong, showcasing modern American or New World hop varieties. The balance is hop-led, with a clean fermentation profile, a dry finish and clean malt that allows creative hop ranges to shine through.
Where to buy craft IPA beer online?
At Mascraft you have the widest selection of craft IPA beers available right now: West Coast IPA, New England IPA, Double IPA, Session IPA and English IPA. All with real stock, no-surprise prices and fast shipping throughout Spain. Whether you are just starting to explore the style or have spent years looking for the hoppiest versions on the market, you will find what you need here.
Origin in colonial trade
According to the myth, the name India Pale Ale emerged in the eighteenth century because English Pale Ales could not withstand the long journeys to India, so brewers added more hops, a natural preservative, to maintain their quality. In reality, among the Pale Ales exported to India, the drier and hoppier versions stood out, especially those from George Hodgson and later Burton. Over time, that profile became commercially established under the name "India Pale Ale".
The IPA revival in the United States
Although the style was born in England, it was in the United States that the IPA became a modern phenomenon. In the 1980s, American breweries began experimenting with local hop varieties such as Cascade, which contributed unique citrus and floral flavours. The West Coast IPA, originating in California, became a very popular substyle, focused on intense hops and pronounced bitterness.
Hop characteristics
Hops are the key ingredient in IPAs. Besides adding bitterness, they also provide a wide range of aromas and flavours. Depending on the hop variety, an IPA can show notes of citrus, tropical fruit, pine, herbs or even flowers. The use of hops in techniques such as dry hopping has allowed brewers to maximise fresh hop aroma and flavour without increasing bitterness too much.
Constant innovation
IPA has been one of the most experimental styles within craft beer. Breweries around the world have created IPAs with unconventional ingredients such as fruit, spices and lactose. The use of new hop varieties, some developed in recent years, has allowed IPAs to keep evolving with innovative profiles.
IPA and the cult of hops
IPAs have created a true hop culture among craft beer fans. Many enthusiasts constantly seek out the freshest and hoppiest IPAs, and some beer festivals focus exclusively on celebrating this style. IPA has given rise to terms such as "hopheads", drinkers who constantly look for the most bitter and aromatic beers.
IPA: the icon of craft beer worldwide.
