India Pale Ale, or IPA, is a popular type of beer known for its bold and bitter flavor. The key ingredient that gives IPA its distinct taste is hops, a type of flower that is used as a flavoring and preservative in beer. There are many different types of hops that can be used in IPA, each with their own unique flavor profile and characteristics. It’s important to note that the types of hops most commonly used in IPA beers originated in the USA.
Types of Hops: Tasty, Distinct Flower Taste
Cascade Hops
One of the most popular types of hops used in IPA is Cascade. This hop variety was first developed in the United States and is known for its strong citrus and piney aroma. Cascade hops are often used in American-style IPAs and can be found in many popular beers such as Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Bell’s Two Hearted Ale.
Simcoe Hops
Another popular hop variety used in IPA is Simcoe. This hop is known for its strong pine and earthy aroma and is often used in American-style IPAs as well. Beers such as Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA and Stone IPA use Simcoe hops.
Mosaic Hops
Another popular hop variety used in IPA is Mosaic. This hop is known for its tropical fruit and berry aroma and is often used in American-style IPAs as well. Beers such as Ballast Point Sculpin IPA and Founders All Day IPA use Mosaic hops.
Citra Hops
Another popular hop variety used in IPA is Citra. This hop is known for its strong citrus and tropical fruit aroma and is often used in American-style IPAs as well. Beers such as Founders Centennial IPA and Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA use Citra hops.
English-Style IPAs & Hops Types
English-style IPAs typically use a different set of hop varieties, such as East Kent Goldings and Fuggle. These hops have a more earthy and floral aroma, rather than the citrus and piney aroma of American hop varieties. Beers such as Fuller’s IPA and Greene King IPA use East Kent Goldings and Fuggle hops respectively.
In addition to determining the flavor profile of the beer, the type of hops used in an IPA also plays a role in determining the beer’s bitterness. Hops that are added early in the brewing process will contribute more to the beer’s bitterness, while hops that are added later in the process will contribute more to the beer’s aroma.
Brewing IPAs at Home
When brewing your own IPA at home, you can experiment with different hop varieties to find the flavor profile that you prefer. Here is a simple recipe for brewing a basic IPA:
Ingredients:
- 10 lbs of pale malt
- 1 lb of crystal malt
- 2 oz of cascade hops (for bittering)
- 1 oz of cascade hops (for aroma)
- 1 package of ale yeast
Instructions:
- Heat 2.5 gallons of water to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and add the pale malt and crystal malt. Stir until the temperature drops to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the grains and bring the wort to a boil.
- Add the 2 oz of cascade hops for bittering and boil for 60 minutes.
- Add the 1 oz of cascade hops for aroma and boil for an additional 15 minutes.
- Remove the hops and cool the wort to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add the yeast and ferment for 7-10 days.
- Bottle or keg the beer and allow it to carbonate for 2-3 weeks.
Final Thoughts on The Different Types of Hops
As you can see, hops play a crucial role in determining the flavor and aroma of an IPA. By experimenting with different hop varieties and adding them at different times during the brewing process, you can create a wide range of unique and delicious IPA beers.
