IPAs–A Tale of Two Oceans

IPAs were originated to withstand the crossing of the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans but it’s travels don’t stop there.

British IPA (India Pale Ale)

The IPA style was developed, true to legend, in the 1700s to last longer and withstand harsh conditions during a 6-month sea voyage to the troops and aristocrats India. Higher alcohol levels and much higher hopping rates protect the beer.

Of course, lighter beer had been shipped overseas before without too much problem, so there might have been a bit of commercialism involved.

In fact, Captain Cook took Porter with him on the Endeavour in 1768 and on their 1-year anniversary at sea, “a cask of Porter tappd which provd excellently good, so that we livd like English men and drank the healths of our freinds in England.”

Historically, IPAs were actually much stronger and more bitter than today’s British IPA. OG was in the 1080 range, where Barley Wines start today. Alcohol ranged from up to 9% and IBU figures were normally over a pala

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