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.

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.

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.

What is IPA?

Hop-forward pale ale family known for assertive hop aroma, bitterness, and dry-hopping variations.

Best For

Hop loversIPA fansBeerBeer • IPA

Taste & Style

high bitternessmedium bodyCitrusGrapefruitHoppyIPA

Flavour profile

Citrus(high)Grapefruit(medium)Hoppy(high)

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.

Best for

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 June 18, 2026

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