Beer Styles
IPA
Beer style guide
Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamSuggest a correction
- IPA
- Beer
- Beer • IPA
- 5.5–7.5% ABV
- 40–70 IBU
- medium body
Is this for me?
Choose this if…
- ✓You enjoy bold hop bitterness and a dry finish.
Skip if…
- ✗You prefer soft, malty or low-bitterness beers.
At a Glance
5.5–7.5%ABV
40–70Bitterness
mediumBody
gold to amberColour
Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →
On this page
What is IPA?
Hop-forward pale ale family known for assertive hop aroma, bitterness, and dry-hopping variations.
Taste profile
high bitternessmedium bodyCitrusGrapefruitHoppyIPA
Sensory profile
BodyLight – Full
BitternessMild – Intense
Hop characterSubtle – Prominent
Malt / roastPale – Roasty
StrengthSession – Strong
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
- Style group: IPA
- ABV range: 5.5–7.5%
- IBU: 40–70
- medium body
- Body
- medium
- Sweetness
- low
- Citrus · high intensity — Editorially reviewed style-level flavour support derived from the existing style description and composition.
- Grapefruit · medium intensity — Editorially reviewed style-level flavour support derived from the existing style description and composition.
- Hoppy · high intensity — Editorially reviewed style-level flavour support derived from the existing style description and composition.
Based on structured style profile and canonical flavor relationships.
How it’s made
- Method
- Top-fermented pale ale with prominent hop additions; many modern versions use late hopping and dry hopping for aroma.
- Base materials
- pale malt, hops, water, ale yeast
- Fermentation
- Top fermentation
- Ageing
- Usually not aged; freshness is important for hop aroma.
When to serve
Hop loversIPA fansBeerBeer • IPA
Alternatives to try
Reviewed style alternatives
- Double IPABoth beer styles; shared citrus, hoppy notes.
- Hazy IPABoth beer styles; medium body; shared citrus, hoppy notes.
- American Double / Imperial IPABoth ipa styles; medium body; shared citrus, hoppy notes.
- Black IPABoth ipa styles; medium body; shared citrus, hoppy notes.
- Cold IPABoth ipa styles; medium body; shared citrus, hoppy notes.
Style alternatives preserve drink-family context but can change sweetness, acidity, bitterness, body, aroma or alcohol range.
Frequently asked questions
- What is IPA?
- Hop-forward pale ale family known for assertive hop aroma, bitterness, and dry-hopping variations.
- What does IPA taste like?
- IPA is often described as Citrus, Grapefruit, Hoppy. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and brewery.
- What foods pair with IPA?
- IPA is versatile at the table. Lighter styles suit seafood and salads; maltier, fuller styles complement hearty stews and grilled meats.
- How strong is IPA?
- IPA typically has an ABV of 5.5–7.5%. Strength varies by producer and brewery.
- When should I enjoy IPA?
- 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 IPA?
- If you enjoy 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 IPA?
- Many breweries produce 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.