IPAs are one of the UK’s favourite styles of beer and Greene King have a few different ones to wet your whistle! You never know, you might find your new favourite.
What is an IPA?
If you’ve seen IPAs around, or at your local pub and haven’t given them a try, you’ve probably wondered what does IPA stand for? IPA is an abbreviation of India Pale Ale, and it refers to a centuries old brewing technique that uses plenty of hops to not only preserve the beer, but make it taste better over time like a good wine.
IPAs are known for being deliciously bitter and refreshing, carrying notes of tropical fruit, a citrusy punch, and a floral aroma. Some, like Greene King IPA, balance the herbal character IPAs are famous for with malt toffee notes to create a complex, satisfying flavour profile.
What is a Session IPA?
Session IPAs are practically made for warm days soaking up the summer sun, socialising with friends and family. They combine the hoppy flavour of a typical IPA with the lower alcohol volume of a sessionable beer. Traditional IPAs tend to have a higher alcohol volume, meaning you have to slow down after one or two. Session IPAs are lighter, taking the alcohol volume to around 3-4% so you can keep enjoying those tropical flavours long into the day.
Is IPA stronger than lager?
Generally, IPAs are known for having a higher alcohol volume than the average lager. Lager and India Pale Ale are brewed using entirely different processes, and while most lager goes up to around 6% in alcohol volume, some IPAs can go up to 10% and beyond. They’re a slower, more complex drink that’s meant to be savoured. However, there are session IPAs that blend the lower alcohol drinkability of lager with the flavour profile of a typical IPA, offering the best of both worlds.
