‘Pale Lager’ in some circles seems to have gotten a bad rap due to the style’s association in the minds of many with mass-produced beers. Although it is a style that has been around forever. With a slightly hopped character, Pale Lager is prized for its clean, fresh, crisp, and oftentimes dry.
Commonly brewed with noble hops and Pilsner malts, Pale Lager does contain adjuncts like rice, flaked wheat, corn, and other ingredients. Some of the highly refreshing and crushable adjunct lagers like bocks, Dortmunder Export, Helles lagers, and other varieties also include pilsners. However, Pale Lagers are perfect for summer due to their refreshing, easy-to-drink flavor profile.
Types of Pale Ales in India
IPAs or Pale Ales in India are one of the most popular beer styles on the craft beer scene today. You would not have failed to notice the ever-growing number of IPAs on the shelves of your local beer shop unless you have been living under a rock for the last two decades. The beer industry, in fact, is on and coming up with new monikers for each category of beer as such.
What is an IPA?
Indian Pale Ale is a style of beer whose history predates the craft beer movement. It goes way back to the days of the British in the 18th century when no beer was being produced in India. So the colonizers had to import it from the United Kingdom. These were the days before quick air travel was available. It meant that the beer had to endure a long ocean passage where it was likely to spoil before arriving.
British brewers, therefore, added more hops and increased the percentage of alcohol to avoid spoiling. The antibiotic properties along with the oils in the hops aided in preventing contamination. Significantly, it acted as a preservative to increase the shelf life of the beer. Hence, the IPA style was born and Pale Ale became the beer that was sent to India.
IPA with higher alcohol content is an over-hopped Pale Ale along with a bolder flavor. The intense fruity flavors or hop aromas together with accompanying bitterness define IPAs that reach dizzying levels of up to 70 international bitterness units (IBUs). There are so many types of IPAs on the market now. Some of these IPAs have a clean, crisp taste with hints of pine or flora, while others have a citrusy and earthy taste.
The wide variety of hops that are now available means that innovative brewers have a wider selection of bounces to experiment with.
Types of IPAs
The BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program), a trade body in the U.S. has identified nine distinct types of Pale Ales in India. Nevertheless, more are added to the market each day. But these are the ones the BJCP officially recognizes.
- East Coast IPA: Differing from the West Coast IPA variants in the varieties of yeast they utilize, East Coast IPAs are a relatively new innovation included in American IPAs. East Coast IPA brewers use more complex varieties of mutated British yeasts in place of the clean and almost flavorless yeasts favored by Californian brewers. The British yeast strains produce more complex flavors and aromas as they ferment sugar. These are usually of banana flavors, stone fruit, and tropical fruit notes that are used to top up the intense, hoppy flavor. EC IPAs are therefore less bitter than the West Coast IPAs. The beer is commonly hazy or cloudy due to the flavor boost from the yeast as they use fewer hops. Best examples of East Coast IPAs include Alchemist Heady Topper, Brooklyn Brewery East India, and Other Half Citra IPA.
- West Coast IPA: On the other hand, American IPAs don’t get the same broad classification. These two most popular variants are classified by the coast they belong. Originally crafted in California by about 5 brewers, the West Coast IPA uses American hops and grains but takes its inspiration from British IPAs. These Pale Ales are less dry than most other American IPAs. The West Coast IPA use crystal malt. It gives them a maltier backbone with piney aromas alongside citrus and earthy characteristics with the use of “Big C” hops such as Cascade, Centennial, Chinook, and Citra. Nonetheless, it is loved by hop heads and beer snobs worldwide. West Coast IPAs also tend to be more bitter. Sometimes they even top 80 IBUs. It is just nearly the limit of the human palate that can taste or withstand. Top examples of West Coast IPAs include Alpine Duet, Magic Rock Highwire, and Sierra Nevada Torpedo.
- English IPA: This is the original beer where Pale Ales started. The English IPA is considered to be the grandfather of the modern-day IPA. It is golden in color, and quite similar to an old-fashioned English Pale Ale. English IPAs use hops like Fuggles and East Kent holdings that give the beers earthy, grassy flavors with notes of light citrus. However, it is nowhere near as strong an aroma profile as its American counterpart. The malts used in English IPAs often give the brew a distinct ‘breadiness’ or biscuit-malt taste to the beer like most British ales. English IPAs will usually have an ABV between 6% – 7% along with a very dry and hoppy finish. It is less common in America today due to the exclusive use of British yeast and hops. Best examples of English IPAs are often seen in local stores including the Sixpoint Bengali IPA, and Three Floyds Blackheart.
- Black IPA: Many would It can be argued that the Black IPA is not an IPA at all since it is not black at all. Moreover, Black IPA is commonly known as Cascadian Dark Ale. The term comes after the hops that were used in this region of America and where it was first invented. The basic idea behind Black IPA is a beer with the hoppy aroma of a West Coast IPA and the taste that looks like a stout. Best Black IPAs are full-bodied with the flavor of hoppier beers yet clean with a hint of that roasted note normally found in darker beers. The best examples of Black IPA include Beavertown Black Betty, Conquer & Founders Dark Penance, and Vocation Divide.
- Double IPA: A Double IPA is also known as an Imperial IPA. It is a great example of what happens when a beer type is taken to the next level by excitable brewers. As American brewers got used to the high bitterness of modern-day IPAs, they started screaming out for more hops. The ideal solution was to create stronger hoppier beers. DIPA or the Double IPA increased the number of malts used in producing the brew. With more hops added to balance out the sweetness, it resulted in a higher level of alcohol. If you like strong, hoppy beers like a West Coast IPA, Double IPA is turbo-charged. IPA. A couple of excellent examples of Double IPA include Lagunitas Maximus Colossal IPA and Verdant Fruit Car Sight Exhibition.
- Triple IPA: Brewers responded by upping the grain bill yet again as consumers demanded even more hoppy beers with the signature raspy dryness. Despite their eye-watering bitterness level of 100 IBU or more, Triple IPAs are immensely popular. Some of the top examples of Triple IPAs include Magic Rock Unhuman Cannonball and Sierra Nevada Hoptimum.
- The Grapefruit IPA: Fruit IPA is actually recognized by BJCP as a type of IPA. This seasonal variant deserves a special mention of its own and has become so popular. You don’t get any more bitter than the taste of grapefruit when you are considering bitterness. Many beer snobs and hop heads see it as cheating to get the aroma from grapefruit, In fact, it gives the beer a sour flavor alongside lending acidity to the brew. Since Big C hops are getting harder to find, many clever brewers have realized that a gorgeous, dialed-in grapefruit aroma will do the same job. You never know, maybe more fruit IPAs will become popular as the days go by. Few of the top examples of Jackfruit IPAs include the Magic Rock Highwire Grapefruit and the Siren Pompelmocello.
- The Belgian IPA: It is also a word added to the description of many kinds of beer. It usually implies a Belgian yeast that has been used in the brewing process. This Pale Ale variety was invented by brewers who commonly used this yeast in Belgian beers. The Belgian yeast strains like Brettanomyces yeast give clover-like flavors. Also known for having a citrusy or orange flavor, Belgian IPAs work well for those familiar with Belgian beer. However, this variant is wanting a more complex hop flavor. Best examples of Belgian IPA include Chouffe Houblon IPA and Petrus Aged Pale.
- Session IPA: The Session IPA is a little more subtle and a little less strong than the high ABV headiness of Double and Triple IPAs. The Session IPA would never come near or get anything done if we spent all our time drinking Double, Triple, or the higher-end West Coast IPAs. The Session IPA is a style that still packs a hoppy punch for casual drinking sessions. Alongside a strong hop aroma and an ABV under 5%, it packs a more balanced bitterness. The beer is much lighter in the body than a traditional IPA. The bitterness level of this IPA will also be much lower in comparison. But it has to be over 40 IBU according to BJCP guidelines. Session IPAs are very dry ales. While minimizing the level of bitterness to be as drinkable as possible and still be full-flavored, they are dry-hopped to the max to emphasize the citrus aromas. The best examples of Session IPAs include Beavertown Neck Oil and Lagunitas All Day IPA and to name a few.
Other Types Of IPAs
We have focused on the “official” types of IPAs so far. However, there are many more subcategories of IPAs emerging all the time. Some more common IPAs found at the craft beer bar or your local beer shop may also include the following:
- White IPA: Ranging in color from light yellow to deep gold, this IPA is a mashup of IPA with a witbier. It is typically hazy due to the wheat used in the brewing process. Featuring an IBU of between 40 – 70, White IPA is a hoppy beer but not overly bitter.
- New England IPA: With powerful tropical fruit aromas and flavor, this IPA style is heavily a dry hopped ale. New England IPA normally has a cloudy or hazy appearance when unfiltered. It is smooth to the taste and appears creamy to some hop-headers.
- Sour IPA: This IPA style is not as popular as other IPAs. But sour beers have seen a resurgence in recent years. Several ingenious brewers have now effectively combined the fruity, hoppy taste of a hazy IPA with the tartness of a sour beer. With added sour notes, you can always think of the New England IPA.
- Milkshake IPA: It is loaded with fruity hops. The Milkshake IPA adds extra lactose and fruits that give it a creamy milkshake characteristic. However, stay clear of this brew if you have lactose intolerance. Otherwise, with flavors hinting towards pineapple or vanilla, simply relax to enjoy the smooth mouthfeel.
- Rye IPA: Consistently golden in color, the rye in Rye IPA imparts hints of red with a foamy white head.It has a unique flavor that is commonly described as tangy or spicy As expected, the Rye IPA aroma is hops-heavy. But you will find that the rye gives a slight spice-and-pepper warm taste in its flavor.
- Brut IPA: Setting a new trend, it is considered the champagne of the Pale Ale world. With a champagne-like flavor, Brut IPA is very fizzy, bone dry, and light-bodied. The San Francisco brewer who invented Brut IPA found that he could create a beer without any residual sugars by adding an extra enzyme to regular IPAs. With a large foam head that quickly recedes, Brut IPAs are generally very pale in color. Nevertheless, they are extremely bubbly alongside a complex hop aroma that has citrus notes. It is funky like cheap champagne or like cider. The brew is most ideal for drinkers who say that they don’t really like the taste of beer.
- Non-Alcoholic IPA: Non-Alcoholic IPAs – It is quite difficult to make great-tasting beer that is free of alcohol. The heavy usage of hops in Non-Alcoholic IPAs makes it possible. It is a style of beer that actually tastes quite good to savor. However, purists argue that the definition of an IPA is a higher ABV beer. Nevertheless, there’s no reason why those seeking a great-tasting alcohol-free beer shouldn’t enjoy an IPA-style beer as long as the high level of bitterness remains.
Top Pale Ales the World Over
We went to the professionals once again to enquire about top Pale Ales the world over. We asked some well-known beer experts and brewers. Here is a short list of their picks as the most refreshing pale lagers to drink this summer amongst classic American staples, the old-school European, and other Pale Ale interpretations in equal measure. You now have no excuse this pool season for not having a cold crispy boy within easy crushing distance.
- The Yankee Pale Ale (ABV: 4.3%): A super little triumph from Roosters delivering on all levels, Yankee Pale Ale is not mind-blowing on the senses at just 4.3% Vol. Nevertheless, it is on for a session and is a worthy contender. Yankee with a wonderful citrus aroma is a light hoppy refreshing beer that is pleasing to the buds, and also worthy of a decent rate on beer score. It glistens and pours a clear light gold that is topped with a decent white foamy hat.
- Victory Prima Pils (ABV: 5.3%): This is my favorite pale lager. Clean malt with a firm bitter backbone Victory Prima Pils pours beautiful floral, citrus, and spicy hop aromas that make this beer crisp and drinkable. This Pale Ale keeps me coming back for more.
- Grain Belt Premium Lager (ABV: 4.6%): It is my favorite ‘cheap’ beer that is coveted in my household. Grain Belt Premium goes back to a summer trip I undertook 20-plus years ago. I was desperately searching for a beer then that wasn’t served in a can. My search happened to lead me to a dive bar serving this Pale Ale. I have been hooked to Grain Belt Premium from then on. More in balance with the hops, the malt character of this beer is slightly higher compared to most Pilsners but also lends to a fuller body.
- Radeberger Pilsner (ABV: 4.8%): This premium Pale Ale is hard to beat. Radeberger Premium Pilsner is a quintessential German Pils that is light and refreshing. It goes great with food with some great Noble hop flavor and aroma. This beer is also a wonderful choice if you want to knock back a couple of them on a warm day.
- North Park Birdie to Bogey (ABV: 5.4%): It is a West Coast-style Pilsner having a clean, light body backed by a hefty dose of bright, citrusy west coast hops. However, North Park Beer just might be the perfect summer Pale Ale Lager you have been searching for.
- Brockton Frederick & Main (ABV: 4%): It is a great American light lager that’s super refreshing. Brockton Beer Frederick and Main are pale in color and only 4% ABV. You can therefore always refresh yourself with more than one. With light malty toastiness, it finishes clean and dry alongside a hint of hops. Brockton Beer is fresher and slightly fuller tasting than other macro brewery versions. This is a fantastic crispy lager.
- Pilsner Urquell (ABV: 4.4%): It has a history of being one of the best Pale Ale Lagers in the world. Iconic for its pronounced ester profile that is crisp, thirst-quenching, and perfect for summer consumption, Pilsner Urquell features a clean and soft malt body that is the first of its kind. It is arguably the best pilsner available in the market today.
- Hill Farmstead Mary (ABV: 4.6%): Pale Ale Lagers seem like easy beers to brew. But the reality is that they aren’t necessarily easy to be brewed well. Hill Farmstead Mary by Hill Farmstead Brewery is undoubtedly the best Pilsner I’ve ever had. Brewed with German hops, German pilsner malt, and German lager yeast, this beer is super crisp and clean.
- Miller High Life (ABV: 4.6%): Brewers’ sensibilities generally go with Miller High Life. However, this may be sacrilegious to many people. Any brewer will tell you that most of their favorite beers are beers they don’t have to overthink about outside the brewery. Moreover, it is fairly easy to find me with a champagne-of-beers pony bottle while I am outside the brewery.
- Hopfheiser Old Time Lager (ABV: 4%): Anytime is a good time for an ‘Old Time!’ I pick this Pale Ale Lager, brewed by the Hopfheiser Brewing Company. It is a new entrant to the DC brewery scene, but highly quaffable. This no-frills, approachable American Light Lager has everything you are looking for. With great malt backbone, subdued hops, and a super light body with light carbonation Old Time Lager allows you to savor this new offering.
- Zero Gravity Green State (ABV: 4.9%): Warm weather or cold weather! The truth is no weather is required for the love of lager. You cannot put Pale Ale Lager in a box. Our favorite is Zero Gravity Green State Pale Ale. It is crispy yet soft with that wet foam when poured from a side pull Lukr Faucet. Its refreshing flavor on a hot, sunny day is hard to beat.
- Green Bench Brewing Bench Life (ABV: 4.6%): This Pale Ale is brewed by Green Bench Brewing. It is dry, drinkable, and can be put down one after another. Bench Life is brewed with flaked corn, malted barley, and Mount Hood hops. The beer is crisp, and a fresh, summertime beer that you would love to crave on a hot, steamy day.
- Trumer Pils (ABV: 4.9%): An outstanding American representation of a fine European lager, Trumer Pils fulfills in every way possible. You can never go wrong with this Pale Ale. Made in the Bay Area, it transports you to Europe so well. With a slight kiss of green apple, slight bread, and a slight but enjoyable amount of sulfur, Trumer Pils is crisp, and all balanced in a neat ester package. With just the right amount of Noble hops and expensive malt, it wraps up an authentic lager style of Pale Ale.
- Narragansett Lager (ABV: 5%): Go-to pale lager for many global tippers, Narragansett is classic, clean, crisp, and refreshing, It is a perfectly balanced Pale Ale that was good enough for Quint in ‘Jaws’. Narragansett Lager on a hot summer day is smashing. However, it is not available in Colorado, USA. And so you will have to rely on friends to obtain it here if you want one.
Spoiled for Choice: Concluding IPA
Undoubtedly one of the favorite beers of Americans nowadays, we are really spoiled by choice with the amount of IPAs in the marketplace. However, many of the times the descriptive tags make it confusing which one to choose for the consumer.
The list above has tried to cover most major types of IPAs on the market nowadays. It is to help you navigate the minefield. Please let us know if we have missed your favorite, or an important type of IPA that should have been on the list.
But don’t forget to go forth and enjoy IPA style drinks as you can lay your hands on. You will love many of these IPAs if you really love hops. We have recently celebrated the National IPA Day on Aug. 4th, 2022, let the spirit linger on!