Franconia Beer Message Board
IPA |
| Posted by Nick B. on 2014-06-22 01:12:12 |
| I want to be on record here as being a non-fan of really strong ones, whereas 5.5% is about the upper limit for peak enjoyment, or even as far as 6%. But get up beyond that, and the alcohol just wrecks it. High hopping levels in pale ales without crystal malt around 4% ABV...perfect IPA. I reckon the new Greene King Yardbird PA might qualify for a good IPA of yesteryear, well under 5% and well-hopped. Even though they describe it as "American inspired" or summat, it's just a fine English-hopped pale ale, nice and dry. And not all citric. I've read somewhere that IPA originated as early as the end of the 18th century. And that the stories about it having been brewed extra-strong are just that, stories. Especially any nonsense about being diluted upon arrival in India. And that they weren't even necessarily exported to India. Well-hopped, yes, extra-strong, no. I really need to read that Martyn Cornell book. |