Beervana Podcast, Episode 38: A History of IPA

(Photo by Jeff Alworth)

In the latest Beervana podcast, Jeff Alworth and Patrick Emerson recount a history of the American IPA. They begin with the birth of the style in England and disprove a few myths before tracing the style’s evolution in America. With the stage set, the two time travel through 35 years of IPAs by tasting classics from three distinct eras.

Here’s the progression, as described by Alworth on the Beervana blog:

“We started off with Anchor Liberty (a precursor beer), then moved through Dogfish Head 60 Minute (first era), Racer 5 and Lagunitas IPA (second era), and finished up with Green Flash Le Freak, Saint Archer Nelson IPL, and Block 15 Sticky Hands (third era). Of course, along the way we discuss the origins of IPA, some of the economics, and the history as it unfolded. (Being old has its advantages.) We had a fun and I hope somewhat informed discussion, so give it a listen.”

Jeff Alworth is the author of the The Beer Bible and Cider Made Simple. You can find him blogging at Beervana. Patrick Emerson is a professor of economics at Oregon State University as well as a research fellow at the Center for Applied Microeconomic Research at the São Paulo School of Economics (C-Micro). You can also find him blogging at Beeronomics.

This episode of Beervana is brought to you in part by Guinness, makers of fine beer since 1759.

In addition to SoundCloud, you can find the Beervana podcast on iTunes and Stitcher — or you can subscribe below to ensure you never miss an episode. We’ll send you links to the podcasts as soon as they’re published.

You can also find our other podcast, After Two Beers with John Holl, on SoundCloud, iTunes and Stitcher as well.