When it comes to the calorie content of a 9% ABV (Alcohol by Volume) IPA (India Pale Ale), there are a few factors that contribute to the overall calorie count. Typically, a 16 fl. oz. pour of this beer style can contain upwards of 350 calories.
One of the main reasons for the higher calorie content in a 9% IPA is its increased alcohol content. Alcohol itself contains calories, with each gram providing approximately 7 calories. So, the higher the ABV, the more calories it will contribute to the beer.
Additionally, a higher alcohol content often means a higher residual sugar content in the beer. This is because the fermentation process may not fully convert all the sugars into alcohol. As a result, the remaining sugars add sweetness and contribute to the overall calorie count. These residual sugars provide additional calories, as carbohydrates also contain approximately 4 calories per gram.
Furthermore, the higher ABV in a double IPA often requires a higher amount of malt and other fermentable sugars to achieve the desired alcohol level. This means that the beer will have a higher carbohydrate content, which also adds to the calorie count. Carbohydrates, like sugars, provide approximately 4 calories per gram.
It's important to note that these calorie estimates can vary depending on the specific recipe and brewing techniques used by different breweries. Some IPAs may have slightly lower or higher calorie counts, but the general range for a 9% IPA is around 350 calories for a 16 fl. oz. pour.
In my personal experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have noticed that higher ABV beers, such as double IPAs, tend to have a more noticeable sweetness and fuller body. This is often attributed to the higher residual sugar content and increased malt presence. These factors contribute to the overall calorie count and can make the beer feel more substantial.
To summarize, a 16 fl. oz. pour of a 9% ABV double IPA can contain around 350 calories. This higher calorie count is primarily due to the beer's increased alcohol content, residual sugar, and higher carbohydrate content. However, it's important to remember that these calorie estimates can vary slightly depending on the specific beer recipe and brewing techniques used.