J&B BrewBasement

English IPA’s (India Pale Ale) were first brewed in England and exported for the British troops in India during the late 1700s. To withstand the voyage, IPA’s were basically tweaked Pale Ales that were, in comparison, much more malty, boasted a higher alcohol content and were well-hopped. The “hop flower” is bitter and provides stabilization and preservation characteristics in beer. Just what the British empire needed!

 

When received in India, historians believe that the IPA was then watered down for the troops, while officers and the elite would savor the beer at full strength.

 

The English IPA has a lower alcohol due to taxation over the decades. The leaner the brew the less amount of malt there is and less need for a strong hop presence which would easily put the brew out of balance. Some brewers have tried to recreate the original IPA with strengths close to 8-9% ABV.