Beer Styles
American Double / Imperial IPA
Beer style guide
Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamSuggest a correction
- IPA
- Ale
- Ale • IPA
- 3–14% ABV
- medium body
- medium-high bitterness
Is this for me?
Choose this if…
- ✓You want a stronger beer (around 3–14% ABV).
Skip if…
- ✗You prefer session-strength or lower-alcohol beer.
At a Glance
90–320Calories
3–14%ABV
medium-highBitterness
mediumBody
Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →
On this page
What is American Double / Imperial IPA?
A beer style that is a stronger version of the American IPA, with a higher alcohol content and more intense hop flavor and aroma.
Taste profile
medium-high bitternessmedium bodyCitrusHoppyPineyBitterIPA
Sensory profile
BodyLight – Full
BitternessMild – Intense
Hop characterSubtle – Prominent
Malt / roastPale – Roasty
StrengthSession – Strong
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
- Style group: IPA
- ABV range: 3–14%
- medium body
- Body
- medium
- Sweetness
- medium
- Acidity
- low
- Citrus · medium intensity — American IPA styles commonly show citrus hop character.
- Hoppy · high intensity — Double or Imperial IPA is strongly hop-forward.
- Piney · medium intensity — American IPA styles often show pine or resin notes.
- Bitter · high intensity — Double or Imperial IPA commonly has strong bitterness.
Based on structured style profile and canonical flavor relationships.
How it’s made
- Method
- High-gravity top-fermented IPA with increased malt base, heavier hopping, dry hopping and higher alcohol.
- Base materials
- pale malt, specialty malt, large hop additions, ale yeast
- Fermentation
- Top fermentation
- Ageing
- Usually not aged; drink fresh for hop character.
Food pairings
When to serve
Hop loversIPA fansAleAle • IPA
- Hoppy beer fans
- Best with Wings
- Best with Pizza
- Best with BBQ
- Citrus
- Hoppy
Dietary
How American Double / Imperial IPA fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- Not Gluten-Free
- Not Keto
- Not Low-Carb
Also known as
Double IPA (common_name)Imperial IPA (common_name)DIPA (common_short_name)
Alternatives to try
Reviewed style alternatives
- IPA (India Pale Ale)Both ale styles; similar sweetness (medium); medium body.
- Black IPABoth ale styles; similar sweetness (medium); medium body.
- Cold IPABoth ale styles; similar sweetness (medium); medium body.
- Specialty IPA (e.g. Milkshake IPA, Brut IPA, New England IPA)Both ale styles; similar sweetness (medium); medium body.
- Session IPAsBoth ipa styles; similar sweetness (medium); medium body.
Style alternatives preserve drink-family context but can change sweetness, acidity, bitterness, body, aroma or alcohol range.
Frequently asked questions
- What is American Double / Imperial IPA?
- A beer style that is a stronger version of the American IPA, with a higher alcohol content and more intense hop flavor and aroma.
- What does American Double / Imperial IPA taste like?
- American Double / Imperial IPA is often described as Citrus, Hoppy, Piney, Bitter. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and brewery.
- What foods pair with American Double / Imperial IPA?
- American Double / Imperial IPA pairs well with Wings, Pizza, BBQ, Burgers. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
- How strong is American Double / Imperial IPA?
- American Double / Imperial IPA typically has an ABV of 3–14%. A standard serving contains approximately 90–320. Strength and calorie content vary by producer and batch.
- When should I enjoy American Double / Imperial IPA?
- American Double / Imperial IPA suits casual social occasions, food pairings and sessions where you want a flavourful but approachable beer. The style profile makes it versatile across a range of settings.
- What beers are similar to American Double / Imperial IPA?
- If you enjoy American Double / Imperial IPA, explore other beer styles with a similar bitterness and body rating using the sensory bars as a guide. Styles with a matching profile score will feel closest in character.
- What are some popular examples of American Double / Imperial IPA?
- Many breweries produce American Double / Imperial IPA across different regions. Seek out local craft examples for fresh flavour, or look for well-reviewed commercial options widely available in bottle shops and pubs.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare beer styles at a glance.
- How do I use the sensory profile to find beers I like?
- If you like hoppy beers look for High Bitterness. For smooth, easy-drinking beers choose Soft Bitterness and Light Body. Use the Beginner-Friendly rating to find beers that match your experience level.
Last updated
Style information is approximate and can vary by producer, region and recipe.