Posted on 12/27/2016 4:18:24 PM PST by mikeIII
Lagers may be ubiquitous but India Pale Ales are beers with a backstory
BEER is for drinking. But beer is also an occasion for conversationand, if good enough, a subject for it, too. That is where India Pale Ales, or IPAs, come into their own. Few beers incite and enrich conversation as much. Their distinctive characterthe firm bitterness [that] lingers long and clean in one, the complex aromatic notes of citrus, berry, tropical fruit and pine in anotherspur discussions that spill over from tap rooms to websites with ease. The plethora of craft brewers that has sprung up over the past few decades provides ample scope for arguments about the relative merits of local brews and far-flung oneswith far-flung, these days, meaning from more or less anywhere on Earth.
That is fascinating, but for all my history study, I don’t think I could deal with it. Color me late-20th-century bourgeoise.
Maybe I should travel someday..........
Millenials think the P in IPA stands for Pumpkin Spice.
Somewhat analogous to the hot sauce craze. Heat without real flavor is a waste. I’m a big habanero fan mainly because the flavor is so unique and so wonderful.
I’ll go for a flavorful IPA any day of the week, but I’ll check out of the hoppy bitter race.
Dogfish Head 90 Minute Imperial IPA...YUM YUM YUM!
...ping....
I’ve had the Broken Halo ale from them there your parts. It got good as it warmed up a bit, but again, like most, overdone with the hops.
Been on an IPA kick for a while now. My current faves are 2 doubles: Victory's DirtWolf Double IPA and Sixpoint's Resin Double IPA. The Resin is over 9% ABV, so I may generally only have one at a sitting. (yeah, I'm a lightweight)
Oddly enough, the local wine & beer geek shop turned me on to IPAs with Ballantine. I gave him a weird look and he said, "this is not your father's Ballantine." Apparently, Ballantine was THE first IPA produced .. or so he said. It was surprisingly good.
“I have to agree with you. I enjoy a good dose of hops as much as the next guy. But lately it seems that brewers have gone just a bit too far.”
There are 15 breweries in my area. Only one makes and honest to God lager. The other stuff is undrinkable swill. Hops is the devil’s weed.
Still trying to get Yuengling in Missouri. I feel like a Boot-legger!
Great stuff.
yesYesYES!!
I have loved IPAs since the first one I ever drank. I do not like weak, sweet beers. IPAs are perfect for me.
But speaking from the other side of my mouth, there are some stouts that are wonderful at specific times. We just bought a breakfast stout and I have had coffeemucha stouts...any number of flavors for any number of occasions!!
I am SO glad beer is GOOD for us!!
I have a Fremont Interurban IPA sitting in the fridge for New Years.
I don’t understand the IPA fad at all. Most of it is way over-hopped.
Breakfast stout? That adds a whole new meaning to the term "breakfast of champions."
Now, you may find this difficult, but try it slightly warmer - cellar temperature!
IPA was a British invention, to keep on those long voyages to India.
Personally, I can’t stand the stuff.
Give me a golden lager, and I’m fine.
And no, I’m not talking a Buttwiper lager from St. Louis either.
A man that knows his beer! Love the DF 90. If you get the chance try their 120. Pricey but worth it.
LOVE IPA’s. They and Belgian Wheat are my favorite styles. I was just enjoying a few Limbo IPA during the Steelers game on Christmas. With there being such a wide variety and selection of micro-breweries around, so too are the choices for IPA’s.
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