Understanding Hops: The Key Ingredient in IPAs

Have you wondered what that special something in IPA beer would be? If you’ve ever savored the bold bitterness of an India Pale Ale (IPA), you’ve experienced the magic of hops. Hop heads tend to provide flavor, aroma, and bitterness to IPAs. Hops come with an interesting history while defining the flavour profile of IPAs. Let's dive into the world of hops, their varieties, and why they are integral to crafting the perfect IPA.  

tend to provide flavor, aroma, and bitterness to IPAs. Hops come with an interesting history while defining the flavour profile of IPAs. Let's dive into the world of hops, their varieties, and why they are integral to crafting the perfect IPA.  

What Are Hops?

The climbing perennial vine Humulus lupulus blossoms into flowers called hops. The cone-shaped blossoms add bitterness, aroma and flavor to the later stage beers. Hops have alpha acids that contribute bitterness and essential oils contributing to the aromatic profile.

Today, we love our beers rich in complexity. Hops started being used during the 9th century but were only adopted during the 15th century into the brewing process. This adoption happened when they realized they had a preservative and thus had something to balance the malt sweetness.

IPA stands for India Pale Ale. This style of beer contains hops. It was originally developed in the 18th century when the beer was transported a long way to British colonies in India. It contained a higher amount of hops than beer for other markets since the transportation was so long and this beer had enough bitterness as well as shelf life.

Modern brewing with hops defines the bitterness and citrusy, piney, or floral flavours that mark IPA beers. There are countless IPAs brewing today, and brewers go about making a unique IPA, ranging from the sharp bitterness of a classic West Coast style to the hazy New England IPAs featuring fruity and juicy notes.

There are hundreds of varieties of hops, and each adds a different character to the beer. Among them are the most commonly used in IPAs:

1. Cascade: The favorite hops for brewers brewing American-style IPAs because it is citrusy, grapefruit-like in aroma.

2. Citra: This hop has lemon and tropical fruit flavors.

3. Simcoe: Earthy and piney, with a fruity taste.

4. Mosaic: A hop that generates a different mix of floral, fruity and herbal flavors.

Hops can be the difference between a taste and flavor in an IPA, so no two brews are ever the same. The brewer will apply all of these techniques to ensure the hops can be used to maximum possible usability. Also, addition timing and type also determine what:

• Bittering Hops: added early in the boil thereby resulting in the bitterness that it imparts on beer  

• Flavor Hops: added at mid- stage of boil, and thereby impart more significant flavors on the beer.

• Aroma Hops: Added at the end of boil or during fermentation. It offers the beer the highest quantity of aromatic quality.

Dry hopping is the most common practice in IPA brewing. Dry hopping involves adding hops to the wort after yeast has been left to run its course. Dry hopping is that process through which the flavor and aroma of beer are enhanced without having an effect on the level of bitterness.

The Science Behind Bitterness and Aromas

Bitterness and aroma in IPAs are due to the alpha acids that are extracted out of hops. Bitterness is always measured on the IBU scale. Most IPAs fall between the 40-to 100-IBU range, though brews in the extreme range have far surpassed that. Myrcene, humulene, and caryophyllene are three of the major essential oils present in hops that give beer its aroma. These oils interact with other components in the beer to create the wide variety of smells and flavors that beer aficionados appreciate in the drink.

And truly hoppy beers have their fans, and for good reason. The sheer sensory experience of IPAs will readily explain why this style of beer is so intoxicating to the more experienced beer aficionado. There's simply a satisfaction in that delicate balance of bitter sweetness paired with fruity, floral or piney notes for a more robust experience.

Hops also have health advantages. They are rich in antioxidants and contain anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Moderation is the key, but the natural benefits of enjoying a pint of IPA are an added bonus.

Pairing IPAs with Food

• Pairing the right food with an IPA can really make your dining experience shine. The bitterness and aromatic complexity of IPAs help to complement a wide range of dishes:

• Spicy Foods: The bitter hoppiness cuts through the spices and balances with malt sweetness.

• Grilled Meats: Caramelized grill foods pair very well in an IPA with bold flavors.

• Cheese: A pungent cheese such as blue cheese or sharp cheddar can really bring out a beer's hop-forward profile.

• Desserts: Citrus-based desserts or those with that slight bitterness, like dark chocolate, really go well with IPAs.

The Evolutions of IPAs: From Classics to Modern Styles

IPAs have bifurcated into many sub-styles and, in turn, each one has its own fans:

1. West Coast IPA: It's very clear in appearance, bitterness with piney flavors.

2. New England IPA (NEIPA): Hazy, low-bitter IPA with fruity and fruit-forward flavors.

3. Double/Imperial IPA: High alcohol brew that amplifies the flavor of hops. 

4. Session IPA: Low alcohol brew, great for sipping for a long time without losing flavor.  

That diversity ensures that there's an IPA for everyone from the hop-head seeking more bitterness to those who want it smoother and fruitier.

Catalyst Crafted Ales: Craft IPAs

We are proud to bring you IPAs that are brewed in the best art and craft of hops. Our menus have changing selections of hop-forward beers, so there is always something for everyone to enjoy. From the bitter power of a West Coast to the juicy flavors of the New England IPA, enjoy your favorite. We also experiment with different types of hops and brewing processes just to be able to present new, one-of-a-kind brews for our patrons. Check our menu at for new additions, or scroll through our photo gallery to see what's currently pouring.

If you’re curious about the science of brewing or want to learn more about our process, visit our Blogs section!

Conclusion

Hops are the soul and heart of IPA beers, and they add bitterness, flavor, and aroma to create this much-loved style. From their historic significance to modern versatility, hops are still inspiring brewers and satisfying beer lovers around the world. At Catalyst Crafted Ales, we celebrate this amazing ingredient by crafting IPAs that bring out its full potential. Come visit us and experience the world of IPAs firsthand. Cheers to hops, the unsung hero of craft beer!