Double IPA stands for Double India Pale Ale, also known as Imperial IPA. This style of beer was originally developed in the United States and has gained popularity in recent years due to the growing demand for India Pale Ales (IPAs). The name “double” refers to the fact that this beer is essentially a stronger and more intense version of a traditional IPA.
The concept behind a double IPA is to take everything that people love about IPAs – the hoppy bitterness, the citrusy and piney flavors, and the floral aromas – and amplify them. This means using even more hops and more malt than a standard IPA, resulting in a beer that is bigger, bolder, and more complex in flavor.
When it comes to hops, double IPAs typically feature a generous amount of both bittering hops and aromatic hops. Bittering hops are added early in the brewing process to impart a strong, lingering bitterness to the beer. Aromatic hops, on the other hand, are added later in the process to infuse the beer with those delightful floral, citrus, and pine notes that are characteristic of IPAs.
In addition to the abundance of hops, double IPAs also have a higher alcohol content compared to regular IPAs. This is because the increased amount of malt used in the brewing process results in a higher concentration of fermentable sugars, which in turn produces more alcohol during fermentation. The higher alcohol content adds to the overall richness and complexity of the beer, creating a more robust and satisfying drinking experience.
One of the great things about double IPAs is the range of flavors and aromas they can offer. With a higher malt profile, these beers often have a strong backbone of caramel or toffee-like sweetness that balances out the intense hop bitterness. This combination of sweetness and bitterness creates a beautifully balanced beer that is both bold and drinkable.
In terms of appearance, double IPAs typically have a rich golden to amber color, with a slight haze due to the high hop content. The carbonation level is usually moderate to high, providing a lively and effervescent mouthfeel.
When it comes to food pairings, double IPAs can stand up to bold and spicy flavors. The hop bitterness and alcohol content can help cut through rich and fatty dishes, making them a great match for dishes like spicy barbecue, Thai curry, or aged cheeses. The citrusy and piney hop flavors also complement seafood dishes, such as grilled salmon or shrimp tacos.
A double IPA, or Imperial IPA, is a beer style that takes the hoppy goodness of an IPA and dials it up to the next level. With more hops and more malt, this beer offers a bold and complex flavor profile, featuring intense hop bitterness, citrusy and piney flavors, and a higher alcohol content. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with food, a double IPA provides a satisfying and memorable drinking experience for beer enthusiasts.