An IPL, short for India Pale Lager, is a unique style of beer that combines the characteristics of both India Pale Ales (IPAs) and lagers. This style has gained popularity in the craft beer scene over the past decade or so, offering beer enthusiasts a refreshing twist on the traditional IPA.
Lagers are known for their clean, crisp flavors and smooth mouthfeel, while IPAs are famous for their bold hoppy profiles and higher alcohol content. The marriage of these two styles in an IPL creates a beer that is hop-forward like an IPA, but with the clean and smooth finish of a lager.
The concept of an IPL arose from the desire to create a beer that showcases the aromatic and bitter qualities of hops, but with a lighter and more approachable body. Brewers achieved this by using lager yeast, which ferments at lower temperatures and produces a cleaner, crisper beer compared to ale yeast used in IPAs.
One of the key characteristics of IPLs is the use of a generous amount of hops, which imparts a distinct hop aroma and flavor. The hop varieties used in IPLs can vary, but they often include popular hop varieties like Citra, Mosaic, Simcoe, and Amarillo. These hops contribute to the beer's citrusy, floral, and sometimes piney notes, creating a refreshing and aromatic experience.
Another defining feature of IPLs is their higher alcohol content compared to traditional lagers. While lagers typically have a lower alcohol content, IPLs often have an ABV (alcohol by volume) ranging from 6% to 8% or even higher. This higher alcohol content serves to enhance the hop flavors and adds a pleasant warmth to the beer.
IPLs are typically golden to amber in color, showcasing the use of pale malts in the brewing process. The malt backbone in an IPL is lighter compared to traditional IPAs, allowing the hop flavors to shine through without overpowering the beer.
When it comes to food pairings, IPLs offer a versatile option. The hoppy and slightly bitter profile of an IPL complements a wide range of dishes, including spicy foods, grilled meats, and even rich desserts like chocolate cake. The crisp and refreshing nature of IPLs also makes them a fantastic choice for outdoor gatherings, barbecues, and warm weather occasions.
Personally, I have had the pleasure of trying several IPLs during my time as a brewer and sommelier. I find them to be a delightful and refreshing alternative to both IPAs and lagers. The balance between the hop flavors and the clean lager characteristics creates a well-rounded beer that appeals to a wide range of beer drinkers.
In recent years, IPLs have been gaining traction and fighting for shelf space in the beer aisle. As more breweries experiment with this style, we can expect to see a wider variety of IPLs with different hop profiles, malt backbones, and even barrel-aged variations.
An IPL is a hybrid beer that combines the hoppy characteristics of an IPA with the clean and crisp qualities of a lager. It offers a refreshing and aromatic experience, with a higher alcohol content compared to traditional lagers. IPLs are versatile when it comes to food pairings and are gaining popularity in the craft beer scene. So, next time you're in the mood for a hop-forward beer with a smooth finish, give an IPL a try and savor the best of both worlds.