06-12-2009, 03:06 AM
quote:
Originally posted by kani-lehua
good to know my memory isn't shot after all. what does IPA mean, anyway?
The other guys are correct in that IPA stands for India Pale Ale, developed in the UK in the early 1700s for transport to India. It was concocted to withstand the voyage without spoiling.
However, that doesn't really describe the beer itself! An IPA is aggressively hopped and therefore pretty bitter. (Hops are a natural preservative.) They tend to have a mild malt flavor. Also, an IPA will probably have a medium-high alcohol content, typically 6.5%, a bit stronger than your typical Bud or Coors at 5%. (Alcohol is also a preservative, obviously.)
West Coast IPAs, like Torpedo and Thunderhead, usually use several varieties of hops to enhance the flavor notes. Often, there will be citrus or floral notes as a result.
In my opinion, IPAs are very thirst-quenching and refreshing in hot weather and go well with spicy food. Just the thing for India!
Cheers,
ArtM