Brewing Rye IPA Using Guidelines from Better Brewing Bureau
In the realm of craft beer, India Pale Ales (IPAs) stand out as a popular and diverse style. Recognised for their bold and bitter taste that derives from hops, IPAs offer a wide array of flavours and strengths.
West Coast IPAs generally feature higher alcohol by volume (ABV) levels, between 6-7.5%, while Session IPAs have a lower range of 4-5.5% ABV. Double IPAs, also known as Imperial IPAs, are the strongest with an ABV of 7-10%.
One unique IPA variation is the Rye of the Beholder, a recipe that incorporates rye malt, contributing a distinctive spicy or earthy flavour compared to traditional IPAs. The specific recipe for Rye of the Beholder is not widely available, but it is known to rely heavily on Mosaic and Centennial for late additions, and may use Omega OYL-091 Hornindal Kveik yeast.
Black IPAs, or Cascadian Dark Ales, merge the hop-forward flavors of a classic IPA with the dark maltiness of stouts or porters. They have a strong citrus and floral aroma accompanied by smooth, roasted flavors hinting at chocolate and coffee. These beers generally have a higher alcohol content, ranging from 6-9% ABV, and pair well with savoury dishes like steak, barbecue, or dark chocolate desserts.
Belgian IPAs incorporate Belgian yeast, contributing a unique flavor to the well-known India Pale Ale. Sour IPAs have a distinct sour, tart, or acidic taste, brewed with wild yeast strains, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Brett IPA, or Brettanomyces IPA, has a distinctive flavor profile due to the addition of Brettanomyces yeast during fermentation.
Oat IPAs have a higher oat content, lending a creamy, smooth mouthfeel. Fruited IPAs have gained popularity in recent years, adding various fruits to the classic IPA for a unique twist.
When pairing food with IPAs, it's best to match them with bold dishes that can withstand the beer's hop-forward taste, such as spicy cuisine, rich, savoury dishes, or seafood.
Bret Barker, a homebrewer who has been brewing since 2009 and a member of the Mashing Maineiacs, a local club in the greater Portland, ME area, tends to brew sessionable beers such as Pale Ales, Session IPAs, Dark Milds, Belgian Wits, etc.
IPAs are often served slightly colder than other beers to enhance hop flavours and aromas. Intriguingly, the craft beer scene has also seen the emergence of Lactose IPA, or "Milkshake" IPA, featuring a creamy, sweet flavour reminiscent of a milkshake.
IPAs come in various subcategories, including West Coast, East Coast, Session, Belgian, and Fruited IPAs. EPA stands for Extra Pale Ale, which is a type of beer that is similar to an IPA but lighter in colour and body and slightly less bitter.
In conclusion, the world of IPAs offers a vast landscape of flavours, strengths, and brewing techniques. Whether you prefer the spicy earthiness of a Rye IPA, the smooth roasted flavours of a Black IPA, or the unique fermentation profiles of Sour or Brett IPAs, there's an IPA out there for every beer enthusiast.
A Technology enthusiast might enjoy pairing their smartphone with the latest gadgets, while sipping on a Milkshake IPA, a unique craft beer that offers a creamy, sweet flavor reminiscent of a milkshake. On the other hand, a tech-savvy homebrewer like Bret Barker might opt for brewing sessionable beers, such as Pale Ales, Session IPAs, or Belgian Wits, which are popular choices in the realm of craft beer technology.
