The Evolution of American IPA: From English Roots to Hoppy Modern Marvels

Discover the rich history, defining characteristics, and unique variations of American IPAs

The Birthplace of IPA and Its Stateside Makeover

A selection of American and New England IPAs from the US and the UK

L-R: Union Jack by Firestone Walker, Jai Alai by Cigar City, Turbulence by Neptune Brewery, Glad That's Over by Neon Raptor

The story of the American IPA (India Pale Ale) is one of tradition, transformation, and innovation. The origins of IPA trace back to England, where brewers fortified pale ales with extra hops for export—hops acted as preservatives on long journeys, particularly to British India. When British settlers crossed the Atlantic, they brought these cherished beer styles with them to America, initiating the long, fruitful pathway to what we know as American IPA today.

The English Beginnings

A good example of an English IPA is Proper Job by St Austell Brewery

The English IPA's defining traits—high hop content and robust malt character—were adapted by early American brewers striving to replicate familiar tastes using local ingredients. Hops such as Bullion, Brewers Gold, and Yakima Goldings were cultivated in American soil, setting the stage for new beer expressions.

 

However, in the mid-19th century, German immigrants and their brewing traditions, particularly lagers, gained immense popularity in the States. The emergence of lager was so dominant that, after Prohibition, most English-style ales (IPAs included) had faded, with only a few outliers persisting through the dry spell.

Resurgence in the Late 20th Century

It wasn't until the craft beer renaissance of the 1970s and '80s that IPAs reentered the spotlight. Notably, Ballantine's IPA, first brewed in 1878, managed to survive until the brewery’s closure in 1970, acting as a historical bridge between English and American IPA traditions.

 

The true American IPA, as we know it, emerged in the 1990s—a young style by beer standards. The definition of the "first" American IPA is debated, but Anchor Brewing’s 1975 Liberty Ale (the first commercial beer to use Cascade hops) is frequently cited either as the first or at least the forerunner of the style.

Waves of Innovation: Crafting the Modern American IPA

The character of American IPAs evolved rapidly, according to Beervana’s 2017 article, in three significant waves:

 

1. Bitter Beginnings: Early American IPAs were intensely bitter, with robust, sweet malt backbones to balance massive IBUs (International Bitterness Units). Breweries like Stone, Bridgeport, Harpoon, and Blind Pig (now Russian River) took the risk on this bold new style, despite early scepticism.

  

2. Flavour Over Bitterness: Brewers soon realised that hops offered more than just bitterness—they contributed vibrant aromatics. IPAs became celebrated for flavours of citrus and pine, exemplified by iconic brews like Racer 5 (Bear Republic) and Pliny the Elder (Russian River).

  

3. The Rise of Sub-Styles: New techniques unleashed even more hop character, spawning innovations like Red, White, Black, Belgian, and the now-beloved New England IPA. Each brought a fresh twist to the IPA spectrum.

Regional Flavour: West Coast vs. New England IPAs

Despite the explosion of sub-styles, American IPAs remain unified by their bold use of American and New World hops. Regional approaches, however, yield distinct profiles:

 

West Coast IPA: Defined by resinous and citrus-forward hops (Cascade, Chinook), high ABV (6–8%), and a dry, clear finish, these beers were born from Pacific Northwest terroir and aggressive dry hopping. Expect assertive bitterness and subtle malt presence.

 

New England IPA (NEIPA): Known for its hazy appearance, creamy mouthfeel (thanks to wheat and oats), and fruit-juiced aromatic profile (stone fruit, melon, citrus), the New England IPA features lower bitterness and pronounced hop-derived flavour. Haze and juiciness are hallmarks.  This style is commonly referred to as Hazy IPA now.

 

Though casual drinkers often refer to "East Coast" or "Midwest" IPAs, current guidelines from the BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) only recognised Hazy IPA as a category, alongside American IPA and Speciality IPA (the latter includes sub-styles like Belgian, black, or white IPA) in it's 2021 update. 

Jai Alai by Cigar City Brewing

Tasting Tips and Notable Examples

The American IPA should present as gold to amber (6–14 SRM), moderately strong (5.5–7.5% ABV), and assertively bitter (40–70 IBUs). Serve slightly chilled—7–10°C (45–50°F)—in a glass designed to channel hops’ captivating aromas (like the proprietary Spieglau IPA glass or a Teku).

 

Not sure where to start? Classic examples include:

 

Stone IPA

Sierra Nevada Torpedo

Russian River Pliny the Elder

Cigar City Jai Alai

Firestone Walker Union Jack IPA

Elusive Oregon Trail

Thornbride Jaipur

For British drinkers, seeking American IPAs rather than New England or Speciality IPAs is key for style accuracy.

Trying Pliny the Elder by Russian River for the first time

American IPA In Conclusion

American IPAs have come a long way from their English ancestors, surviving near extinction, morphing through creative experimentation, and today commanding an entire section of the craft beer universe. Whether you favour the punchy bitterness of a West Coast or the hazy juice-bomb of a New England, each pour showcases the ingenuity and ongoing evolution of a style that’s as American as craft beer itself.

 

Cheers, and happy exploring!