The origins of India Pale Ale (IPA) are shrouded in a bit of mystery and there isn't a definitive answer to the question of which was the first IPA. The commonly held belief that George Hodgson invented IPA in East London is actually a myth. While Hodgson did play a role in popularizing the style, it was the result of a gradual development by multiple breweries over time.
During the 18th century, Britain had a strong presence in India and British soldiers and expatriates stationed there were craving their beloved beer from back home. However, traditional English ales didn't fare well on the long sea journey to India. The beers would spoil due to the tropical heat and constant motion of the ships. Brewers needed to create a beer that could withstand the voyage and arrive in good condition.
One of the earliest recorded instances of a beer specifically brewed for India was by a brewery named Bow Brewery in London. In 1793, they advertised their beer as “Pale Ale prepared for India.” This was likely one of the first attempts to create a beer that could survive the long journey. However, it is important to note that this early version of IPA was likely quite different from what we know today.
The popularity of Hodgson's beer in India led to the term “India Pale Ale” being associated with his brewery. However, it is important to acknowledge that several breweries were producing similar styles of beer for export to India during this period. The term “IPA” itself was not widely used until the 1830s.
It's worth noting that the early IPAs were likely quite different from the hop-forward, aromatic beers that we associate with the style today. The hops used in these early versions served as a preservative rather than for flavor and aroma. The beers were likely more balanced in terms of malt sweetness and hop bitterness.
While George Hodgson and his Bow Brewery played a significant role in the development and popularization of IPA, it is inaccurate to credit him as the inventor of the style. IPA was a gradual evolution, with multiple breweries in England experimenting with pale ales for export to India. The term “India Pale Ale” was associated with Hodgson's brewery due to its success, but it was not the sole producer of this style of beer.