The India Pale Lager (IPL) is a style of beer that combines the characteristics of an American IPA with the clean, crisp profile of a lager. It is a relatively new style that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in the craft beer scene. IPLs are typically golden in color, with some examples exhibiting a slight hop haze.
The name “India Pale Lager” is a play on the traditional India Pale Ale (IPA) style, which originated in England and was brewed with extra hops and higher alcohol content to withstand the long journey to India during the British colonial era. Similarly, IPLs often have a pronounced hop bitterness and aroma, reminiscent of the West Coast IPAs that are known for their bold hop profiles.
One of the key differences between an IPL and an IPA is the yeast used during fermentation. IPLs are fermented with lager yeast, which imparts a clean and smooth character to the beer. This is in contrast to IPAs, which are typically fermented with ale yeast, resulting in a fruitier and more estery flavor profile.
The use of lager yeast in IPLs also contributes to a crisper and more refreshing finish. This makes IPLs a great choice for those who enjoy the hop-forward flavors of an IPA but prefer a cleaner and more balanced beer.
In terms of hop varieties used in IPLs, there is a wide range of options. Some brewers prefer to showcase classic American hop varieties such as Cascade, Centennial, or Amarillo, while others may experiment with newer and more exotic hops. The hop selection can greatly influence the flavor and aroma of the beer, with some IPLs exhibiting citrusy, piney, or tropical fruit notes.
I personally had the opportunity to try a West Coast-style IPL during a visit to a local brewery. The beer had a beautiful golden color with a slight haze, and the aroma was bursting with citrus and pine notes. The first sip revealed a pleasant bitterness that was well-balanced by a clean and crisp malt backbone. It was a refreshing and enjoyable beer that showcased the best of both worlds – the hop-forwardness of an IPA and the smoothness of a lager.
To summarize, an India Pale Lager is a hybrid beer style that combines the hop characteristics of an American IPA with the clean and crisp profile of a lager. It is typically golden in color and often exhibits a hop haze. IPLs are fermented with lager yeast, resulting in a smooth and refreshing finish. The hop selection can vary, but many IPLs give a nod to the hop-forwardness of West Coast IPAs. If you enjoy the bold hop flavors of an IPA but prefer a cleaner and crisper beer, an IPL is definitely worth trying.