The most sold beer style today is undoubtedly the India pale ale (IPA). As a sommelier and brewer, I can attest to the immense popularity of IPAs among craft beer enthusiasts. These beers have taken the beer world by storm with their distinct characteristics and wide range of flavors.
One of the defining features of IPAs is the prominent presence of hops. Hops are flowers that belong to the cannabaceae family, which is also related to marijuana. This relationship gives IPAs their unique flavor profile, characterized by aromas and flavors such as citrus, spice, tropical fruits, pine, and berries.
What makes IPAs so appealing to beer drinkers is the intensity and complexity of these hop-driven flavors. Each IPA can have its own unique combination of hop varieties, resulting in a wide spectrum of flavors that can range from fruity and juicy to resinous and piney. This variety allows beer lovers to explore and discover new taste experiences within the IPA style.
Furthermore, IPAs often have a higher alcohol content compared to other beer styles, adding to their allure. This higher alcohol content can provide a bolder and more robust flavor profile, making IPAs a favorite choice for those seeking a more intense drinking experience.
IPAs have also gained popularity due to their versatility when it comes to food pairing. The hop-forward flavors of IPAs can complement a wide range of dishes, from spicy foods to rich and fatty dishes. The bitterness of the hops can help cut through the richness of certain foods, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
In recent years, the craft beer movement has catapulted IPAs into the mainstream. Craft breweries across the globe have embraced the IPA style, constantly pushing the boundaries of what an IPA can be. This has resulted in an abundance of IPA variations, including double IPAs, hazy IPAs, session IPAs, and experimental hop combinations.
Personally, I have witnessed the IPA craze firsthand in my own brewing endeavors. When I first started brewing, IPAs were just beginning to gain traction, but now they dominate the craft beer scene. The demand for IPAs has been so overwhelming that it has become a staple in almost every craft brewery's lineup.
To summarize, the most sold beer style currently is the India pale ale (IPA). Its appeal lies in its hop-forward flavor profile, ranging from citrusy and tropical to piney and resinous. The versatility of IPAs when it comes to food pairing and the constant innovation within the style have contributed to its widespread popularity. As a sommelier and brewer, I appreciate the IPA's ability to provide a complex and intense drinking experience, making it a favorite choice among beer enthusiasts.