India Pale Ale

The British often get slagged on for their food, but are rarely given credit for this excellent contribution to beer drinkers around the world.

In India, during the 1700s, there was a great demand for porters & ales from British nationals. The six month voyage and large temperature fluctuations enroute, led to the arrival of flat and sour suds. Coming to the rescue was a Londoner named George Hodgson. Hodgson modified an existing recipe by increasing the alcohol content and adding hops, resulting in a delicious bitter ale that could survive the journey. Though wildly popular at the time, the style eventually fell out of favor with the Brits.

At some point in the early 1990s, the traditional British recipe for brewing IPAs was revisited by a number of Americans on the west coast and became popular again. Pictured are four of Hodgson's great great grandchildren: Deschutes Inversion IPA, on the far right, is 6.8% abv and a bit too malty. On the far left is Boulder Brewery's Mojo IPA, also 6.8% abv and quite tasty. Next to the Mojo is Avery Brewing's Maharaja, one of the finest IPAs ever made. With a 9.78% abv, this 22oz bomber packs a wicked one-two punch of alcohol and flavor. Towering over the group is the 3 litre bottle from Escondido, CA's Stone Brewing Company. Their 10th anniversary IPA is 10% abv and has an awesome combination of flavors.

One nice thing about being back, is getting to choose quality over quantity when having a beer.