The birth of IPA beer can be attributed to the efforts of George Hodgson, a brewer from London's Bow Brewery. This is not just a historical fact, but a fascinating story that involves British colonialism and the demand for beer in far-flung corners of the empire.
During the 18th century, Britain had a growing presence in India, both militarily and economically. As part of their colonial efforts, the British Indian army and British citizens living in India required a regular supply of beer. However, the long and treacherous sea journey from England to India posed a challenge for brewers.
Traditional beers, such as porters, did not fare well on the voyage due to their high alcohol content and lack of hops, which act as a natural preservative. The beer would often spoil during the long journey, leaving the soldiers and expatriates in India without a refreshing and familiar drink.
George Hodgson, recognizing this opportunity, set out to create a beer that could withstand the arduous journey and arrive in India in good condition. He experimented with increasing the hop content and alcohol strength of his beer to improve its shelf life. Hodgson's beer was also brewed with higher carbonation levels, which helped to preserve its freshness and prevent spoilage.
The result of Hodgson's efforts was a new style of beer that came to be known as India Pale Ale or IPA. This beer was distinctively hoppy, had a higher alcohol content than traditional porters, and possessed a refreshing effervescence. Hodgson's IPA was a hit among the British in India, who found it to be a perfect antidote to the hot and humid climate.
The success of Hodgson's IPA led to its increasing popularity back in England as well. Other breweries started producing their own versions of IPA, each with their own unique interpretation of the style. This marked the beginning of a beer revolution, with IPA becoming one of the most beloved and enduring beer styles in the world.
It is worth noting that while George Hodgson is often credited with creating the first official IPA, there were earlier iterations of hoppy beers being brewed for export to India. However, Hodgson's IPA from Bow Brewery was the one that gained significant recognition and became the benchmark for the style.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of exploring the world of IPAs and witnessing their incredible diversity. From the classic English IPAs with their earthy and floral hop profiles to the bold and citrusy American IPAs, each beer tells a story of its own.
Personally, I have always been fascinated by the history behind IPA and how it evolved to become the beer we know today. It is a testament to human ingenuity and the desire to create something special, even in the face of challenging circumstances.
IPA beer was started by George Hodgson of London's Bow Brewery. His efforts to create a beer that could withstand the journey to India led to the development of a new style known as India Pale Ale. Hodgson's IPA became immensely popular among the British in India and back in England, paving the way for the enduring legacy of this beloved beer style.