The difference between IPA and IPL beer lies in their alcohol content, hop varieties, overall bitterness, and the use of lager yeast. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can explain these differences in detail for you.
Alcohol Content:
IPAs, or India Pale Ales, typically have a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) content compared to IPLs, or India Pale Lagers. IPAs often range from 6% to 7.5% ABV, whereas IPLs tend to have a lower ABV, usually around 5% to 6%. This difference in alcohol content can affect the overall flavor and body of the beer.
Hop Varieties:
IPAs are known for their bold hop flavors and aromas. They often feature American hop varieties such as Citra, Amarillo, and Simcoe, which bring citrusy, piney, and resinous characteristics to the beer. On the other hand, IPLs usually showcase classic European or noble hop varieties. These hops, like Saaz, Hallertau, or Tettnang, offer more subtle and delicate floral or spicy notes.
Overall Bitterness:
IPAs are typically more bitter than IPLs. The bitterness in beer is measured using the International Bitterness Units (IBUs) scale. IPAs can range from 40 to 100+ IBUs, providing a pronounced bitterness that balances the malt sweetness. In contrast, IPLs usually have a lower IBU range of 20 to 40, making them less bitter overall.
Lager Yeast and Malt Bill:
Lagers are brewed with bottom-fermenting lager yeast, which ferments at cooler temperatures compared to ale yeast. This results in a clean and crisp profile with fewer fruity esters. Traditional IPAs, on the other hand, are fermented with ale yeast at warmer temperatures. When brewing an IPL, brewers often use a simple mixture of an IPA grain bill and hops with lager yeast. However, this combination doesn't always blend seamlessly, resulting in what some describe as a “clunky” or disjointed flavor profile.
Personal Experience:
As a brewer, I have experimented with both IPAs and IPLs in my own brewery. It's fascinating to see how different hop varieties can completely transform the character of a beer. IPAs with their bold American hops can create a burst of tropical and citrus flavors, while IPLs with noble European hops tend to have a more refined and subtle hop profile. The use of lager yeast in IPLs also brings a unique element to the brewing process, as the fermentation and conditioning require more time and attention to detail.
To summarize, the difference between IPA and IPL beer lies in their alcohol content, hop varieties, overall bitterness, and the use of lager yeast. IPAs are known for their higher ABV, bold American hop flavors, and higher bitterness, while IPLs have a lower ABV, showcase classic European hop varieties, and exhibit a milder bitterness. The use of lager yeast in IPLs can sometimes result in a less harmonious flavor profile.