Why You Shouldn’t Dislike IPAs
IPAs, IPAs, and more IPAs. It is undoubtedly the most popular style, hence there are more IPAs than any other style. In many ways, the modern IPA laid the foundation for the craft beer revolution that we all benefit from today. However, despite their overwhelming popularity, some people dislike IPAs.
Those who don’t like IPAs usually cite the intense bitterness as the reason. And it’s true, most IPAs are very bitter, as that is the defining characteristic of this style.
But even if you don’t enjoy IPAs, there are reasons not to give up hope on this hoppy style. Here are five reasons to keep trying them and find ones that you do like.
Popularity
I’m not saying that you have to follow the crowd, but…have you ever been in a situation where the only craft beer option available was an IPA?
Yeah, I’m sure you have. For that reason, I believe getting to know this style is almost a must for craft beer fans.
If you can find a few popular IPAs that you do enjoy, you will almost always have a reliable option when there are limited craft beer choices available.
It doesn’t have to become your favorite, but at least learn to appreciate the style for what it is. And who knows, one day you might actually say you like IPAs.
The Ace of Craft Beer Equipment
Hops, Hops, and More Hops
Hops are present in every beer. They are one of the four primary ingredients that make beer what it is. IPAs take this ingredient and make it the star of the show.
The bitterness brought by hops is often why people don’t like IPAs. Hop flavor and bitterness don’t have to be synonymous, but they often go hand in hand.
However, it’s important to remember that there are many different hop varieties. Each one brings different flavors and levels of bitterness.
So just because you didn’t enjoy the flavor and bitterness level of one IPA doesn’t mean you won’t like any of them. Brewers are constantly experimenting with different hop combinations to create new flavors.
Therefore, try different IPAs and find ones that provide the level of bitterness and hop flavor that you enjoy.
New England IPAs
One of my favorite trends right now is the New England IPA.
This new version of IPA takes a different brewing approach that almost eliminates the bitterness. Instead, these beers focus on bringing out the tropical fruit flavors of hops.
So if you’ve been avoiding IPAs because of the bitterness, this is the solution. While they are not always easy to find, they are worth seeking out.
Most experts predict that this style will continue to gain popularity, leading to increased production levels. Hopefully, more and more people will get the chance to try them without waiting in line for hours.
Fruit
Brewers love to add fruit to beer. Over the past few years, IPAs have seen the addition of almost every type of fruit. From grapefruit to watermelon, passion fruit to blood orange, there are plenty of choices for fruited IPAs.
The great thing about this is that the fruit often balances out the bitterness and makes the beer more drinkable.
The sweet, citrusy, or sour flavors from the fruit change our perception of the beer. And quite often, it makes it more enjoyable for a wider range of drinkers.
So if you don’t like IPAs, try a few with added fruit, and you might change your mind.
The Spirit of Craft Beer
I have always made a point of never saying “never” when it comes to a beer style.
Part of what makes craft beer so amazing is redefining what beer can be. Giving up on a style goes against the spirit of craft beer.
When I first started enjoying craft beer, I liked fruited wheat beers and dark beers. I avoided bitter IPAs, sours, and most lagers.
At that time, I wanted a smooth and drinkable beer. But over time, my appreciation for a wide range of craft beers has grown.
The IPAs that were once too bitter for my taste now provide a refreshing break from dark and rich stouts. And fruited sour beers have replaced fruited wheat beers in my preferences.
Just like craft beer, my drinking style continues to evolve, and that is the true spirit of craft beer.
