The history of the first India Pale Ale (IPA) is a fascinating one, and there are some misconceptions surrounding its origins. Contrary to popular belief, IPA was not invented by a single individual. While George Hodgson is often credited with its invention, the truth is that the style of IPA evolved gradually over time, with various breweries contributing to its development.
During the 18th century, British breweries were already exporting pale ales to the East Indies. These beers were specifically brewed to withstand the long and arduous journey by sea. They were made with higher alcohol content, more hops, and were well-carbonated to ensure their preservation during the voyage.
One of the breweries involved in brewing these pale ales was George Hodgson's Bow Brewery in East London. Hodgson became known for his successful exportation of these beers to India, but it is important to note that he was not the sole creator of IPA. Other breweries, such as Bass and Allsopp, were also producing similar styles of pale ales for the Indian market.
The term “India Pale Ale” itself was not widely used until the early 19th century. Prior to that, these beers were often referred to as “pale ale prepared for India” or “pale ale as prepared for the East Indies.” The gradual development of the style was a result of experimentation and improvements made by multiple breweries over time.
It is worth mentioning that the specific recipes and brewing techniques used by these early breweries are not well-documented. Each brewery likely had its own unique approach to brewing pale ales for export, resulting in slight variations in flavor and character.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and study different historical beer styles, including IPAs. It is fascinating to see how the style has evolved over the centuries, with modern interpretations often being significantly hoppier and more intense than the original versions.
The first IPA was not invented by a single individual but rather developed over time by various breweries in response to the demand for pale ales in the Indian market. While George Hodgson's Bow Brewery played a significant role in popularizing the style, it was a collective effort by multiple breweries that contributed to the creation of the IPA we know today.