India Pale Ale

British and North American Ales

The Lords of the Ales: A Powerful Onslaught of Ales from the Two Towers of North America and Great Britain

India pale ales are deep gold-to-amber in color, and are usually characterized by floral hop aromas and a distinctive hop bitterness on the finish. India pale ales were originally brewed by British brewers in the 19th century, when British troops and colonizers depended upon supplies of beer shipped from England. Standard ales did not survive the journey; hence, brewers developed high gravity, highly-hopped ales that survived shipment in casks to their largest market, India. This style, probably not anywhere near as bitter as it was when destined for India, continues to be brewed in a toned-down manner in the United Kingdom and is undergoing a mini-revival at present. However, U.S. craft brewers have claimed the style as their own, and often brew them with assertive Pacific Northwestern hop varieties that give such examples a hugely aromatic hop accent.

Interpreting the 100-point Scale

Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:

Point Range	Quality Band
96-100 points	Platinum
90-95 points	Gold
85-90 points	Silver
80-84 points	Bronze
Less than 80	Not Recommended

Legend

= Brewpub
ABV = Alcohol by volume
Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted

95 Workhorse India Pale Ale, Laurelwood Brewing Co. (OR). 7.5% ABV (2/11)
Pure amber color. Dense aromas of apricot marmalade, candied grapefruit zest and pinecone with a round, satiny, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a long, rich, roasted root vegetable, arugula and citrusy hop flourish. Delicious and deeply flavorful.

94 IPA, Goose Island Beer Co. (IL). 5.9% ABV (3/10)
Deep golden amber color. Rich apricot, kumquat and grapefruit aromas have a great sour, piney edge and follow through on a rich, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with caramelized nuts, toast and cloved honey baked ham notes. Finishes with a long, chewy, herbally bitter and crunchy hop fade. Delicious and very food-friendly.

93 India Ale, Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery (England). 5% ABV (3/10)
Sweet peach and apple butter aromas and flavors on the medium-bodied palate that follow through with buttered nuts and caramel accents. Rich brioche like malt and a nice dry, very earthy hop finish. A spot-on British-styled IPA.

93 Full Sail IPA, Full Sail Brewing Co. (OR). 6% ABV (3/11)
Brilliant pale amber color. Aromas and flavors of grapefruit marmalade on a buttered lemon scone and pine needle with a zesty, supple dryish medium-to-full body and a tangy, nut, peppercorn and kale nuanced finish with firm, citrus pith-like hops. Excellent vibrancy and balance.

93 Yellow Snow IPA, Rogue Ales (OR). 6.5% ABV (2/11)
Aromas of orange marmalade, apricot butter, fruit cake and grapefruit with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a long, bitter and astringent citrus pith, nut skin and peppery radicchio finish. An intense treat for hopheads.

93 India Pale Ale, Goose Island Beer Co. (IL). 5.9% ABV (2/11)
Very bright golden amber color. Bright aromas of grapefruit marmalade and apricot butter on fresh baguette with a crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a long, grilled root vegetable, okra and peppery radish sprout finish.

92 Commodore Perry IPA, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (OH). 7.5% ABV (3/11)
Bright light amber color. Aromas of floral honey, cashew brittle, peach butter and pine-planked path in forest with a soft, satiny dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a long, sumptuously plush roasted root vegetable and escarole-accented finish with peppery, citrusy hops. Fantastically fresh, drinkable and stylish.

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