Craft beer has become a playground for brewers and hop lovers alike, with India Pale Ales (IPAs) leading the charge as the rock stars of the scene. But with so many variations out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out what's what. Let’s break down the different types of IPAs, including some niche favourites, and I’ll share my thoughts on why Double Dry Hopped IPAs (DDHIPAs) and Double Dry Hopped New England IPAs (DDHNEIPAs) have become my go-to choices.
A Brief History of the IPA
The origins of the IPA date back to the 18th century when British brewers faced the challenge of shipping beer to British colonies in India. Traditional pale ales often spoiled during the long sea journey. To combat this, brewers increased the hop content and alcohol level, both of which acted as natural preservatives. The result was a beer that arrived in India not only intact but bursting with bold hop flavours. Thus, the India Pale Ale was born. Over time, IPAs evolved and spread across the world, becoming a beloved staple of craft brewing with countless modern variations.
The Classic IPA (India Pale Ale)
The standard IPA is defined by a prominent hoppy bitterness and bold citrus, pine, or tropical fruit flavours. It usually clocks in between 5% and 7% ABV. Traditional West Coast IPAs are notorious for their aggressive bitterness, which, frankly, can be a bit like chewing on a pine cone for those of us who aren’t keen on bitter flavours.
Black IPA
Black IPAs, sometimes called Cascadian Dark Ales, blend the bitterness and hop-forward nature of an IPA with roasted malt flavours reminiscent of a porter or stout. Expect notes of coffee, chocolate, and toasty goodness alongside the typical IPA hoppiness.
NEIPA (New England IPA)
Ah, the juicy, hazy hero—the New England IPA (NEIPA). These beers are a tropical fruit bomb, with a smooth, creamy mouthfeel and very little bitterness. The haze comes from the use of oats and specific yeast strains, creating that luscious, Instagram-worthy appearance. I’ve always loved NEIPAs for their juicy flavours and soft, pillowy texture.
DIPA (Double IPA)
Double IPAs, also known as Imperial IPAs, ramp up the hop intensity and alcohol content, typically landing between 8% and 10% ABV. They can be a hop lover’s dream but often lean back into that bitter territory.
TIPA (Triple IPA)
If you thought DIPAs were intense, meet their bigger, bolder sibling—the Triple IPA. These beasts pack a punch with ABVs over 10%, delivering an overwhelming hop presence and a thicker, boozy mouthfeel. Not for the faint-hearted.
NEDIPA (New England Double IPA)
New England Double IPAs (NEDIPAs) build on the juicy, hazy goodness of NEIPAs but with a higher alcohol content, typically between 7.5% and 9.5% ABV. They have even more hop saturation, creating a bolder, more intense flavour profile while maintaining that signature smooth mouthfeel. If you love NEIPAs but want something with a bit more punch, NEDIPAs are a great shout.
DDHIPA (Double Dry Hopped IPA)
Double Dry Hopped IPAs are brewed with double the amount of hops added during fermentation. This technique amplifies the hop aroma and flavour without necessarily adding more bitterness. I started to notice that these beers had an extra level of vibrancy to their flavours. It’s like the hops are louder, brighter, and more in your face—but not in an aggressive way.
DDHNEIPA (Double Dry Hopped New England IPA)
Now we’re getting into the territory that might explain my recent shift in preferences. A DDHNEIPA combines the juicy, creamy nature of a NEIPA with the amplified hop aromas of double dry hopping. For me, this is where the magic happens. These beers take everything I already loved about NEIPAs and crank up the aroma and flavour intensity without introducing that dreaded bitterness.
Why has my favourite shifted from NEIPA to DDHIPA or DDHNEIPA?
Here’s what I think is going on with my taste buds:
Enhanced Flavour Complexity: I’ve found that double dry hopping creates more layers of flavour. There’s just more going on in the glass, and I love that.
Aromatic Intensity: The aromas in these beers are incredible. When you crack one open, it’s like a tropical fruit explosion. That aromatic hit makes the drinking experience even more enjoyable.
Smoothness: Despite the hop intensity, these beers still have that smooth, creamy texture that I adore. It’s like the best of both worlds.
Less Bitterness: I’m not a fan of bitter beers, and these keep the bitterness in check. That’s a big win for me.
Conclusion
I think my shift from NEIPAs to DDHIPAs and DDHNEIPAs makes perfect sense. They offer everything I love about NEIPAs but with even more flavour and aroma complexity. If you haven’t tried one yet, I highly recommend it—you might just find your new favourite.
Recommended UK Beers for Each Category
If you fancy exploring some top-notch examples of each IPA type, here are my recommendations:
Classic IPA: Beavertown's "Gamma Ray" is a great starting point for a hoppy yet balanced IPA.
Black IPA: Thornbridge's "Wild Raven" offers a brilliant mix of roasted malt and bold hops.
NEIPA: North Brewing Co.'s "Transmission" is a juicy, hazy delight that ticks all the right boxes.
DIPA: Verdant Brewing Co.'s "Even Sharks Need Water" brings intense hop flavours with a smooth finish.
NEDIPA: Otherworld Brewing's Horsemen is a beautiful example of this amazing beer.
TIPA: Polly's Brew Co.'s "Fierce Chemistry" packs a punch with its bold hop profile.
DDHIPA: Cloudwater Brew Co.'s "Double Dry Hopped Pale Ale" is an aromatic masterpiece.
DDHNEIPA: Northern Monk's "Patrons Project DDH IPA" series consistently delivers juicy, complex beers.
Oh and here's a video I made that covers most of the IPA varieties mentioned in this blog post.
Hopper out!
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