The invention of IPA, or India Pale Ale, is often attributed to George Hodgson of Bow Brewery in East London. As a sommelier and brewer, I find the history of IPA fascinating, as it showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the British brewers during the 18th century.
During this time, Britain had a strong presence in India and other colonies. However, the beer brewed in Britain at that time could not withstand the long and arduous journey by sea to reach these far-flung destinations. This posed a problem for British sailors and colonists who craved a taste of home while abroad.
George Hodgson, recognizing this opportunity, set out to create a beer that could survive the lengthy ocean trip. He experimented with different brewing techniques and ingredients until he arrived at the perfect formula – a beer that was both bitter and highly alcoholic, thanks to the use of generous amounts of hops and alcohol as preservatives.
By increasing the hop content, Hodgson not only added bitterness to the beer but also enhanced its preservation properties. Hops have antimicrobial properties, which means they can inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that cause spoilage. This made the beer less susceptible to spoilage during the long journey.
The high alcohol content also played a crucial role in preserving the beer. Alcohol acts as a natural preservative by killing or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. By increasing the alcohol content, Hodgson ensured that his beer would remain fresh and drinkable even after weeks or months at sea.
The resulting beer, now known as India Pale Ale, became immensely popular among British sailors and colonists in India and other colonies. It was a taste of home that they could enjoy even in the farthest corners of the British Empire.
Personally, as a brewer, I find it fascinating to think about the challenges that Hodgson and other brewers of that era faced. They had limited resources and technology compared to what we have today, yet they managed to create a beer that not only survived the long ocean journey but also became a beloved style in its own right.
While there may be debates about who exactly invented IPA, George Hodgson of Bow Brewery in East London is often credited with creating the first version of this iconic beer style. His use of hops and high alcohol content revolutionized the brewing industry and allowed British beer to withstand the rigors of long-distance travel. The IPA he created paved the way for the diverse range of hop-forward beers we enjoy today.