Real ale is a term often used to describe traditional cask-conditioned beer that is served without carbonation or artificial carbonation. It is typically served directly from the cask, allowing the beer to naturally carbonate and develop its unique flavors and aromas. While IPA, which stands for India Pale Ale, is a specific style of beer known for its hoppy character and higher alcohol content. So, is real ale an IPA? Let's dive deeper into this question.
First, let's establish what defines an IPA. IPAs are known for their strong hop bitterness, floral or citrusy hop aromas, and higher alcohol content compared to other styles of beer. They originated in England during the 19th century and were brewed with extra hops and a higher alcohol content to survive the long journey to India. Over time, the style has evolved and gained popularity worldwide, with variations such as West Coast IPAs and New England IPAs.
On the other hand, real ale refers to the way the beer is served and conditioned. It is traditionally served from a cask without any added carbonation, relying solely on the natural carbonation produced by the yeast during fermentation. This method of serving allows the beer to develop unique flavors and textures, often described as smoother and more complex compared to beers served with forced carbonation.
So, to answer the question, real ale can indeed be an IPA, but not all IPAs are considered real ales. Many craft breweries produce IPAs that are served in kegs or bottles with forced carbonation, making them not traditional cask-conditioned real ales. These IPAs may still be delicious and hop-forward, but they do not fall under the specific definition of real ale.
However, there are breweries that produce IPAs in the traditional real ale style, serving them directly from casks without additional carbonation. These IPAs would be considered both real ales and IPAs, combining the hoppy characteristics of the style with the unique qualities of cask-conditioned beer.
In my personal experience as a brewer and beer lover, I have encountered both real ale IPAs and non-real ale IPAs. Each has its own merits and unique qualities. Real ale IPAs tend to have a softer carbonation and a smoother mouthfeel, allowing the hop flavors and aromas to shine through in a different way compared to their carbonated counterparts. Non-real ale IPAs, on the other hand, often have a crisper carbonation and a more pronounced bitterness, which can be equally enjoyable depending on personal preference.
To summarize, real ale and IPA are two distinct concepts in the world of beer. Real ale refers to the way the beer is served, while IPA is a specific style known for its hoppy character. While real ale can be an IPA, not all IPAs are considered real ales. It ultimately depends on how the beer is brewed, conditioned, and served. Both styles have their own unique qualities and can provide delightful drinking experiences for beer enthusiasts.