How To Brew English IPA: Balanced Beauty of Britain’s Pioneering Pints
English IPA is one beer that everyone looks to when they are talking about the history of a particular beer style.
English IPA as a style came about due to the need to provide beer for those in the British Empire in the east, more specifically India. It was much too hot to brew beer in India.
Also, the real ale that was popular in pubs in London would not survive the long boat ride.
Fact or Myth
A London brewer that went by the name, George Hodgson, saw this opportunity to use the high beta acid found in hops.
There is information out there that disputes Hodgson having a monopoly on brewing beer sent to India. Some also speculate that Hodgen’s brewery, Bow Brewery, was not the first to add extra hops to a beer sent to India.
There are those that say beer was being exported to India from the beginning of the 18th century. Even though there was some beer spoilage, much of the beer was sent to easily last for a year or more in a cask. Bottom line, a new beer style was not invented at this time.
Also, the beer that became the English IPA was not actually stronger in alcohol. It was about 6.5 percent by alcohol, slightly weaker than the porters and other dark beers enjoyed by many from Sri Lanka to the West Indies.
Aging Beer for a Long Journey
The beta acids maintain their bitterness longer and the taste evolves over time. The beer as a result takes on a pleasant fruity flavor.
This is actually reminiscent of aged wine. The beer not only survived the long journey on the Atlantic Ocean, but improved immensely.
Hodgson’s IPA became the prototype. The beer eventually became paler and more refreshing to suit the drinkers in the warm Indian climate.
Other brewers, such as those at Bass, adjusted the style that resembled more like a pale ale for those back in England.
Style Profile for English IPA
Appearance
Color ranges from golden to deep amber. Most examples of the style are actually pretty pale.
Beer should be clear, but unfiltered, dry-hopped versions may see some haziness. Moderate-sized persistent off-white colored head caps off the beer’s appearance.
Aroma
A moderate to moderately high hop aroma is typical for the style. Floral, spicy, peppery are the aromas you will find. A small amount of grassy dry-hop aroma is acceptable. A moderately low caramel-like or toasty maltiness can be present.
Low amount of fruitiness is also acceptable. Sometimes a small sulfure note may exist, however, it does not need to present.
Mouthfeel
Smooth with a medium-light to medium bodied mouthfeel without hop astringency. Medium to high carbonation can cause a dryness. A low alcohol warming is present in stronger versions of this beer.
Taste
Hops flavor is medium to high, with an assertive hop bitterness. The hop flavor mirrors the hop aroma, floral, spicy, peppery and possibly slightly grassy.
Malt flavor is medium-low to medium-light with biscuit, toasty, toffee, caramel flavors dominate. The finish is medium-dry to very dry with a lingering bitterness.
Tips for Brewing your own English IPA
Grain
A proper English IPA would be brewed with English 2-row malts such as Maris Otter or Golden Promise. US 2-row pale malt works well here too, even Pilsner malt if you wanted to brew a pale version of this beer.
A small amount, around 5% of the total grist could be dedicated to a low color crystal malt. 20 or 40 lovibond would do well here. The crystal malt will add some color and a little fullness to the palate for this particular beer.
Hops
Bitterness levels for an English IPA should be around 40-60 IBUs. English hops, of course, should be your first choice when considering how to hop an English IPA. Target or First Gold should be considered for bittering due to their high alpha acids.
English Goldings and Fuggles for aroma and again for dry-hopping. This is not the style to experiment with US citrus hops.
Yeast
The yeast choice for an English IPA is pretty wide open. As long as the attenuation is 70% or better, you should be in good shape. It should be noted to keep fermentation temperatures below 70°F (21°C). You do not want any esters in this beer.
English IPA By the Numbers
- Color Range: 6 – 14 SRM
- Original Gravity: 1.050 – 1.075 OG
- Final Gravity: 1.010 – 1.018 FG
- IBU Range: 40 – 60
- ABV Range: 5.0 – 7.5%
English IPA Recipe
Grain
- 88% 11 lbs Golden Promise Malt
- 8% 1lb Crystal 45 Thomas Faucet
- 4% 8oz Biscuit Malt
Hops
- 1 oz Target – Boil 60 min
- 1 oz Fuggle – Boil 10 min
- 1 oz East Kent Goldings – Boil 10 min
- 1 oz Fuggle – Flameout
- 1 oz East Kent Goldings – dry hop (4-5 days)
Yeast
- 1.0 pkg Wyeast WhitBread 1099
Directions
- Mash at 152°F (66°C) for 60 mins
- Boil for 60 mins
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Frequently Asked Questions
What distinguishes an English IPA from other IPA varieties?
The English IPA stands out from other IPA varieties due to its unique blend of traditional English hops that contribute to its distinct flavor and aroma profile.
Unlike its American counterpart, which often has a more aggressive hop character, the English IPA has a balanced hop bitterness complemented by a moderate malt sweetness.
The characteristic English hops bring forward a range of earthy, herbal, and floral notes, setting it apart in the IPA realm.
What are the key ingredients in the English IPA recipe featured in the article?
The English IPA recipe in the article primarily revolves around a carefully chosen selection of English hops, malt, and yeast. The hops, being a signature ingredient, play a crucial role in imparting the traditional bitterness and aromatic essence to the beer.
The malt aids in balancing the hop bitterness, while the yeast contributes to the overall fermentation process, ensuring the beer attains the desired alcohol content and flavor profile.
What steps are involved in brewing an English IPA as per the recipe provided?
The article outlines a step-by-step process on how to brew IPA, starting from gathering the necessary ingredients and equipment, to mashing, boiling, fermenting, and finally, bottling and conditioning your English IPA beer.
Following the IPA recipe UK style meticulously will lead to a home brew IPA that embodies the traditional taste and aromatic characteristics of a classic English Pale Ale.
How does the traditional IPA recipe provided differ from modern or American IPA recipes?
The traditional IPA recipe provided leans towards authenticity with a balanced mix of English hops, malt, and yeast, in contrast to the often hop-heavy American IPAs.
The English IPA beer embraces a more balanced, less aggressively hoppy character, with a noticeable malt sweetness that harmonizes with the bitterness from the hops.
This nuanced balance is what differentiates the English IPA recipe from modern or American IPA recipes, which might employ a diverse range of hop varieties and exhibit a bolder hop profile.
What are some recommended best hops for IPA, particularly for brewing an English-style IPA?
For brewing a traditional English IPA, it’s recommended to use hops native to England. Some of the best hops for IPA of this style include East Kent Goldings, Fuggle, and Challenger hops.
These hops are known for their mild and delicate bitterness along with a complex bouquet of earthy, floral, and herbal aromas that are quintessential to the English IPA.
By adhering to the IPA recipe all grain as provided, and utilizing these hops, you’re well on your way to crafting a homebrew IPA that pays homage to the traditional English style.
Former President of my homebrew club, Plainfield Ale and Lager Enthusiasts (PALE) in the western suburbs of Chicago, IL. I brew on my BIAB system with my incredibly patient and understanding wife, adorable 9 year old daughter, and 12 year old brew dog.
