Beer Styles

What's the difference between a Pale Ale, an IPA, and a Double IPA? It mostly comes down to strength and bitterness. American Pale Ale sits at 4.5 to 6.2 percent alcohol and 30 to 50 IBU, American IPA at 5.5 to 7.5 percent and 40 to 70 IBU, Double IPA at 7.5 to 10 percent and 60 to 100 IBU. IBU is the measure of bitterness in beer.

The American Pale Ale is the original. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale from 1980 is considered the template: golden-orange, with citrus and pine aromas, firm bitterness, and a hint of caramel in the background. It's the perfect starting point for anyone looking to get to know hops.

The American IPA, also called the West Coast IPA, is stronger and drier. Its English predecessor, the English IPA, tastes of bread and herbs, while the American version smells of grapefruit and resin. From the East Coast comes the hazy IPA with its softer bitterness—a counterpoint to the clear, bitter West Coast style.

The Double IPA takes things even further. Brewer Vinnie Cilurzo is credited with brewing the first Double IPA in 1994 at Blind Pig Brewery, and Pliny the Elder debuted in 1999. Pliny the Younger, the even stronger version, has been around since 2005.

All three styles are open names, free for anyone to use. How much hop character ends up in the glass is entirely up to the brewery.