What does Double IPA taste like?

Double IPA is often described as Citrus, Tropical Fruit, Hoppy. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and brewery.

What foods pair with Double IPA?

Double IPA is versatile at the table. Lighter styles suit seafood and salads; maltier, fuller styles complement hearty stews and grilled meats.

How strong is Double IPA?

Double IPA typically has an ABV of 7.5–10.5%. Strength varies by producer and brewery.

When should I enjoy Double IPA?

Double 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 Double IPA?

If you enjoy Double 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 Double IPA?

Many breweries produce Double 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.

Beer Styles

Double IPA

Beer style guide

Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamSuggest a correction

IPA
Beer
Beer • IPA
7.5–10.5% ABV
50–100 IBU
full body

Is this for me?

Choose this if…

✓You enjoy bold hop bitterness and a dry finish.
✓You want a full-bodied, substantial beer.
✓You want a stronger beer (around 7.5–10.5% ABV).

Skip if…

✗You prefer soft, malty or low-bitterness beers.
✗You prefer lighter, more refreshing beers.
✗You prefer session-strength or lower-alcohol beer.

What is Double IPA?

Double IPA is a stronger hop-forward ale with elevated alcohol, assertive bitterness and concentrated citrus, resin or tropical hop aroma.

Best For

Hop loversIPA fansCold eveningsBig mealsBeerBeer • IPA

Taste & Style

high bitternessfull bodyCitrusTropical FruitHoppyIPA

Flavour profile

Citrus(high)Tropical Fruit(medium)Hoppy(high)

How it’s made

Method: Top-fermented strong IPA with higher gravity, more hops, and more alcohol than standard IPA; often dry-hopped heavily.
Base materials: pale malt, specialty malt, large hop additions, water, ale yeast
Fermentation: Top fermentation
Ageing: Usually not aged; freshness matters for hop expression.

Best for

Frequently asked questions

What is Double IPA?: Double IPA is a stronger hop-forward ale with elevated alcohol, assertive bitterness and concentrated citrus, resin or tropical hop aroma.
What does Double IPA taste like?: Double IPA is often described as Citrus, Tropical Fruit, Hoppy. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and brewery.
What foods pair with Double IPA?: Double IPA is versatile at the table. Lighter styles suit seafood and salads; maltier, fuller styles complement hearty stews and grilled meats.
How strong is Double IPA?: Double IPA typically has an ABV of 7.5–10.5%. Strength varies by producer and brewery.
When should I enjoy Double IPA?: Double 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 Double IPA?: If you enjoy Double 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 Double IPA?: Many breweries produce Double 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 June 18, 2026

Style information is approximate and can vary by producer, region and recipe.