When it comes to IPAs, the terms “double” and “triple” refer to the alcohol content of the beer. A double IPA, also known as an imperial IPA, takes the base style of an IPA and amps up the alcohol level, resulting in a bolder and more intense flavor profile. Similarly, a triple IPA is an even stronger version of the double IPA, pushing the boundaries of what an IPA can be.
To understand what makes a beer “imperial” or “double,” it's important to first grasp the concept of a standard IPA. IPA, which stands for India Pale Ale, is a style of beer that originated in England and gained popularity due to its hop-forward character and higher alcohol content compared to other ales. The focus of an IPA is on showcasing the bold and aromatic flavors of hops.
A typical IPA has an alcohol content ranging from 5% to 7%, with a balanced malt backbone that supports the hop bitterness and aroma. However, when brewers decide to create a double IPA, they aim to take this base style and elevate it to new heights. The defining characteristic of a double IPA is its higher alcohol content, typically ranging from 7% to 10% or even higher.
To achieve this higher alcohol level, brewers often use a larger amount of malt in the brewing process. The increased malt bill provides more fermentable sugars for the yeast to convert into alcohol during fermentation. This results in a beer with a higher alcohol content and a more robust body to support the increased malt sweetness.
In addition to the higher alcohol content, double IPAs also tend to feature a more intense hop profile. Brewers use larger quantities of hops and often incorporate a variety of hop varieties to create a complex and layered hop character. This can manifest in aromas and flavors such as citrus, tropical fruits, pine, resin, and floral notes.
The increased hop presence in double IPAs is achieved through various techniques such as hop additions during different stages of the brewing process. This includes adding hops during the boil for bitterness, during fermentation for flavor, and even dry-hopping to enhance the aroma. The result is a beer with an assertive hop bitterness that lingers on the palate, balancing the higher alcohol content and malt sweetness.
Triple IPAs take the intensity of a double IPA to another level. With alcohol content often exceeding 10% and sometimes reaching as high as 15%, these beers push the boundaries of what a traditional IPA can be. The higher alcohol content in triple IPAs requires an even larger malt bill to provide the necessary fermentable sugars, resulting in a heavier and more robust beer.
Similar to double IPAs, triple IPAs showcase an amplified hop profile. Brewers utilize copious amounts of hops, often incorporating multiple hop additions and a variety of hop varieties to create a sensory explosion of hop aromas and flavors. The bitterness in triple IPAs can be intense, but it is balanced by the higher alcohol content and the malt backbone.
It's worth noting that the terms “double” and “triple” are not strictly defined and can vary among breweries. Some brewers may use slightly different alcohol ranges or hop profiles to classify their beers as double or triple IPAs. However, the overarching concept remains the same: these beers are about pushing the boundaries of what an IPA can be, with higher alcohol content and an intensified hop experience.
What makes a beer a double or triple IPA is primarily the increased alcohol content, which is achieved through a larger malt bill and more fermentable sugars. The hop profile is also intensified, with larger quantities of hops and a greater variety of hop additions. These beers offer a more robust and bold experience compared to traditional IPAs, showcasing the versatility and creativity of brewers in the craft beer industry.