Brewing Guidelines for Crafting a Rye IPA According to the Better Brewing Bureau
India Pale Ales (IPAs) have taken the beer world by storm, with a diverse range of subcategories each offering unique flavours and characteristics. From the robust and hoppy Double IPAs to the smooth and fruity Milkshake IPAs, there's an IPA for every palate.
Double IPAs, or Imperial IPAs, are known for their higher amounts of hops, malt, and alcohol. Offering a robust hop flavour and aroma, they are balanced by sweet maltiness and a lingering finish. Sour IPAs, or "sour ales," have a distinct sour, tart, or acidic taste, brewed with wild yeast strains, bacteria, and other microorganisms.
Bret Barker, a homebrewer since 2009 and a member of the Mashing Maineiacs, has brewed a unique IPA named "Rye of the Beholder." This beer is brewed using the Spike Solo system and features a recipe that includes a variety of malts and hops. The Rye of the Beholder IPA includes 5.4 lbs of 2 Row Base Malt, 4 lbs of Vienna Malt, 2.25 lbs of Rye Malt, 1 lbs of Caramel 120, 1 oz Acidulated Malt, and a combination of Cascade, Centennial, and Mosaic hops.
Belgian IPAs incorporate Belgian yeast, contributing a unique flavor to the well-known India Pale Ale. They typically have a pronounced floral and fruity aroma and exhibit a spicy and herbal taste. Brett IPAs have a distinctive flavor profile achieved by adding Brettanomyces yeast during fermentation, generating a variety of unique flavor compounds such as tropical fruit, citrus, earthy notes, and mild funkiness.
Session IPAs are designed for extended consumption without becoming overwhelming, featuring a lighter body and balanced flavor that emphasizes hop aroma and flavor. Oat IPAs are distinctive among other IPA styles due to their higher oat content, which lends a creamy, smooth mouthfeel. British IPAs, or English IPAs, are recognized by their floral and fruity aroma, balanced malt flavor, and slightly bitter finish. They are typically brewed with traditional English hop varieties like Fuggles and Goldings.
New England / Juicy DIPAs are known for their hazy, opaque appearance and juicy, fruity hop flavors with a smooth mouthfeel. These beers tend to have less bitterness compared to traditional IPAs and emphasize hop aroma and flavor from late additions and dry hopping. Experimental IPAs are innovative takes on the IPA style, often including unusual ingredients or brewing techniques to create unique flavor profiles. Fruited IPAs add various fruits to the classic IPA, resulting in a unique flavor profile that can range from sweet to tart. Lactose IPAs, or "Milkshake" IPAs, are brewed with lactose, a sugar derived from milk, imparting a creamy, sweet flavor reminiscent of a milkshake and contributing to a smooth, full-bodied texture.
Black IPAs, or Cascadian Dark Ales, merge the hop-forward flavors of a classic IPA with the dark maltiness of stouts or porters, creating a bold, bitter beer with rich, roasted undertones. Bret Barker's IPA recipe relies heavily on Mosaic and Centennial hops for late additions.
These subcategories reflect the diversity within the IPA style, ranging from intensely bitter and piney West Coast IPAs to soft, juicy, and creamy New England or Milkshake IPAs, showcasing both traditional and experimental brewing approaches. These categories are frequently recognized in competitions and craft beer awards, highlighting ongoing innovation and consumer interest in IPA variants.
Cooking a unique IPA named "Rye of the Beholder," homebrewer Bret Barker uses the Spike Solo system and a recipe that incorporates various malts, hops, and unique ingredients like Acidulated Malt, Cascade, Centennial, and Mosaic hops. As a food-and-drink enthusiast, you may want to try out some recipes featuring this IPA and other craft beers to complement your cooking lifestyle.
Technology and gadgets such as the Spike Solo system have greatly impacted the homebrewing community, allowing hobbyists like Bret Barker to innovate and create new brews at home. With smartphones and easy-to-use apps like brewing calculators, it's easier than ever to experiment with different recipes and brewing methods.
Experimentation is key in the ever-evolving world of craft beer, with categories like New England or Milkshake IPAs pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing practices. Embracing new technology can help food-and-drink lovers explore these unique and delicious beer styles, offering a world of flavors that caters to a variety of tastes.
From the robust Double IPAs to the creamy Oat IPAs, there's an IPA for every palate, making this style a great addition to any food-and-drink enthusiast's recipe collection. Whether you're brewing your own craft beer or pairing it with your favorite dishes, the diverse range of IPA subcategories ensures endless possibilities for food-and-drink adventures.
