What is the difference between Pale Ale and IPA?

What is an IPA?

IPA, or India Pale Ale, is a high-fermentation beer known for its pronounced hoppiness and often higher alcohol content. More hops are added than in other beer styles, this gave the beer its distinctive bitterness. IPAs usually have an alcohol content between 5% and 7%, but this can vary depending on the style.

how did IPA come about?

IPA originated in England in the late 18th century, during the British colonial rule of India. English brewers faced a challenge: they had to supply beer to British soldiers and officials stationed in India. The hot, humid climate meant that beer exported to India often spoiled during the long sea voyage. A solution had to be found. To ensure that beer survived the long journey to India, brewers started adding extra hops to their beers. Hops have naturally preservative properties and helped make the beer last longer. In addition, the alcohol content of the beer was increased, which also promoted stability. By this time, Pale Ale was already a well-known beer, hence the name ‘India Pale Ale’ When travel time could be reduced in 1869 due to the construction of the Suez Canal, adding the amount of hops became less necessary and thus the IPA lost its popularity. It was not until the 1980s that IPA really returned to the spotlight. American brewers, inspired by traditional British beers, started experimenting with hop varieties. This gave IPA a new, fresh twist and laid the foundation for the modern craft beer revolution.

The different styles of IPA

Within the beer style India Pale Ale, there are many different varieties. To make things clear, below is a beer selection tree! This lists the flavour patterns and common flavours for each IPA.

Got it?

Today, we hope you understand just a little bit more about the IPA, what a rich history it has and how many different versions of this style of beer there actually are. Curious about how they will taste now? Take a look in our webshop and try our Green Bullet IPA, our Bon Chef de New England IPA or one of our many limited editions! Because only after tasting them can you say you are a true IPA connoisseur.

So what is a pale ale?

If you have looked more often at the beer menu on the terrace or at the cans in the supermarket, you will probably have seen the name Pale Ale passing by. But what is a Pale Ale and is it the same as an India Pale Ale? Luckily, you've come to the right place to ask that!

Pale Ale is a top-fermenting beer, usually light in colour and brewed with a generous dose of hops. The beer originated in England, around the 18th century, and was named ‘Pale Ale’ because of the lighter malt used, compared to the darker beers popular at the time, such as Porter and Stout. The malt used for Pale Ale is often roasted at lower temperatures, which accounts for its light to amber appearance. Hops in particular play an important role in the character of Pale Ales. Whereas in some beer styles hops are used mainly for bitterness, in Pale Ale hops provide bitterness as well as aromas of flowers, citrus and sometimes even herbal or resinous notes. Alcohol content? That's usually between 4.5% and 6%.

Pale ale vs IPA

Although they both come from the same family, there is a difference to be found. For instance, the IPA was conceived later than the Pale Ale and also named after it. The IPA contains a much larger amount of hops. Thus, IPAs have a more intense hop bitterness and often a higher alcohol content than classic Pale Ales. Think of IPA as the more rebellious smaller brother of the Pale Ale.

Got it?

We hope you are now a lot wiser about Pale Ale, IPA and especially why these are not the same beers. Did this story make you very thirsty? Then check out our webshop! Because here we have a range of both types with lots of variety. If you fancy a Pale Ale, take a look at our Funky Falcon! Or would you prefer an IPA? Then take a look at our Green Bullet or our Bon Chef! Have you had these before and want to try something new? Our webshop is also always full of our limited editions so there's something for everyone.