IPA is a type of beer that is characterized by its hoppy flavor and aroma. It is typically served in glasses designed to enhance the drinking experience, such as tulip or pint glasses with a tapered shape.
The right glass allows an IPA to be enjoyed as the brewers intended. When serving an IPA, you should look up the maker’s recommendation for serving glassware. That being said, thick glassware with a narrow opening, like a brandy sifter, can help improve the flavor and scent of an IPA beer.
So, what is the ‘right’ glass for drinking IPAs, and what characteristics make it better? Several factors can alter the overall experience of enjoying an IPA. Let’s examine what defines different IPAs and which glasses one should use to enjoy them best.
What is IPA?
IPA, short for India Pale Ale, is a type of beer that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Developed in the 18th century for export from England to India, IPA is characterized by its hoppy bitterness, high alcohol content, and distinct flavor profile.
IPA’s production process is similar to regular beer, with key differences in ingredients and brewing methods employed.
Like all beers, IPA is made from four primary ingredients:
- Water
- Malted barley
- Hops
- Yeast
The malting process involves soaking the barley in water, allowing it to germinate, and then kilning it to stop the germination process. This process produces malt mashed with hot water to create a sugary liquid called wort.
Hops are added to the wort during the boiling process, which serves several purposes. First, hops provide bitterness to balance out the sweetness of the malt.
Second, hops contribute flavor and aroma to the beer. Third, hops act as a preservative, helping to extend the shelf life of the beer.
The Amount and Type of Hops Used in IPA Sets it Apart from Other Types of Beer
IPA is characterized by its high hop content, which results in a strong, bitter taste. This bitterness is measured on the International Bitterness Units (IBU) scale, which ranges from 0 (no bitterness) to over 100 (extremely bitter).
IPA typically falls between 40 and 70 IBUs, compared to 10-25 IBUs for a typical lager or pilsner.In addition to the high hop content, IPA has a higher alcohol content than most other beers. That is because the higher sugar content of the wort results in a higher alcohol content after fermentation.
IPAs typically have an alcohol content of 6-7%, compared to 4-5% for a typical lager or pilsner.
Different Types of IPAs
There are several subcategories of IPA. They are skillfully brewed with the experience of enjoying rich and complex flavors in mind. Each with its unique flavor profile. Some of the most popular subcategories include:
American IPA
American IPAs, also known as West Coast IPAs, are a subcategory of India Pale Ales that have gained popularity in the United States and worldwide. While their high hop content and bitterness characterize all IPAs, American IPAs have a distinct flavor profile that sets them apart from other IPAs.
One of the primary differences between American IPAs and other IPAs is the type of hops used. American IPAs typically use American-grown hops, which tend to have a more citrusy, piney, and resinous flavor profile than traditional English hops.
American hops, such as Cascade, Chinook, and Centennial, are known for their high alpha acid content, which contributes to the bitter taste of the beer.
In addition to the type of hops used, American IPAs also tend to have a higher hop content overall. American brewers often use more hops than their English counterparts, producing intense flavor and aroma.
The high hop content is often balanced by higher alcohol content, with American IPAs typically ranging from 6% to 7.5% ABV (alcohol by volume).
New England IPA
New England IPAs (NEIPAs) are a relatively new subcategory of India Pale Ales (IPAs) that have become increasingly popular recently. Also known as hazy IPAs or juicy IPAs, NEIPAs are characterized by their cloudy appearance, low bitterness, and tropical fruit flavors. Several key factors differentiate NEIPAs from other IPAs.
First and foremost, NEIPAs have a distinct appearance. Unlike traditional IPAs, which are clear or slightly hazy, NEIPAs are intentionally cloudy. It is due to using a brewing technique known as “dry hopping,” which involves adding hops to the beer after fermentation.
Dry hopping imparts various flavors and aromas to the beer and creates a haze. In addition, NEIPAs are often unfiltered, contributing to their cloudy appearance.
Second, NEIPAs have a lower bitterness compared to other IPAs. While traditional IPAs are known for their high bitterness, NEIPAs have a softer, more rounded bitterness. This is because NEIPAs typically use hops with a lower alpha acid content, which results in a milder bitterness.
Third, NEIPAs are known for their tropical fruit flavors. That is due to hops rich in essential oils, such as Citra, Mosaic, and Galaxy. These hops impart flavors and aromas of mango, pineapple, passionfruit, and other tropical fruits.
English IPA
English India Pale Ales (IPAs) are a subcategory of IPAs that have a long and rich history. Unlike American IPAs or New England IPAs, English IPAs have a more balanced flavor profile and a lower hop content. Several key factors differentiate English IPAs from other IPAs.
English IPAs are brewed with English hops with a distinct flavor profile. English hops are known for their earthy, herbal, and floral flavors and aromas. They differ quite from American hops’ citrusy, piney, and resinous flavors. The most common English hop varieties used in IPAs include East Kent Goldings, Fuggles, and Target.
Second, English IPAs have a lower hop content than American IPAs or New England IPAs. Again, it is because English brewers traditionally used hops primarily as a preservative rather than for their flavor or aroma.
Because of this, English IPAs have a more balanced flavor profile with a lower level of bitterness. English IPAs typically have an IBU (International Bitterness Units) rating of 40 to 60. In contrast, American IPAs can have an IBU rating of 60 to 100 or more.
Why is Glass Type Important for IPA?
The type of glassware used to serve beer, including IPAs, is an important aspect of the drinking experience. The glass’s shape, size, and material can affect the beer’s aroma, flavor, and appearance.
When it comes to IPAs, there are several reasons why the type of glass used is particularly important.
What Makes a Good IPA Glass?
The Shape
First, the shape of the glass can affect the aroma of the beer. IPAs are known for their hoppy aroma, which comes from the volatile compounds in the hops.
The shape of the glass can impact how these compounds are released and perceived by the drinker. For example, a glass with a wide mouth, such as a tulip glass or a snifter, can allow the aroma to escape more easily, intensifying the hoppy scent.
It is important because the aroma is a key part of the flavor experience and can greatly influence how we perceive the taste of the beer.
The Size
Second, the glass size can affect the amount of foam and carbonation in the beer. IPAs are often highly carbonated, which helps to enhance the flavor and mouthfeel of the beer.
However, if the glass is too small, the foam may overflow and spill, reducing the amount of carbonation in the beer. Conversely, if the glass is too large, the carbonation may dissipate too quickly, leading to a flatter beer.
A glass with the appropriate size and shape can help to balance the carbonation and foam, enhancing the overall flavor and mouthfeel of the beer.
The Material
Third, the glass’s material can affect the beer’s temperature and flavor. Glass is a popular material for beer glasses because it does not react with the beer and does not impart any unwanted flavors or aromas.
However, the glass’s thickness and insulation properties can affect the beer’s temperature. For example, a thicker glass may insulate the beer more effectively, keeping it cooler for longer.
It can benefit IPAs, often best served at cooler temperatures, to enhance the hoppy flavors and aromas.
The Experience
Finally, the design and branding of the glass can also impact the overall drinking experience. For example, IPAs are often associated with specific glassware, such as the popular tulip or pint glasses.
The design and branding of the glass can create a visual association with the style. They can enhance the overall aesthetic of the drinking experience.
What Are the Best IPA Glasses on the Market?
Tulip Glass
The tulip glass (On Amazon) is a popular choice for IPAs because of its wide bowl and narrow rim, allowing the hoppy aromas and flavors to be concentrated and released. The flared shape of the glass also allows the beer to breathe and develop more complex flavors.
IPA Glass
Many breweries now offer branded IPA glasses designed specifically for drinking IPAs. These glasses often have a similar shape to tulip glasses but with a slightly narrower bowl and rim.
Snifter Glass
Snifter glasses (On Amazon) are traditionally used to drink brandy and cognac, but they also work well for IPAs. The bulbous shape of the glass allows for the beer to be swirled and the aromas to be released. The narrow rim also helps to concentrate the aromas.
Beer Mug
Beer mugs are a classic choice for drinking beer and can work well for IPAs. The thick glass helps to insulate the beer and keep it cold, while the handle provides a comfortable grip.
Pint Glass
The pint glass (On Amazon) is a versatile option that can be used for many different types of beer, including IPAs. The wide opening of the glass allows for easy drinking, while the straight sides and sturdy base make it a durable option.
What is a Nucleated Beer Glass?
A nucleated beer glass is specially designed with a laser-etched pattern of tiny pits or grooves on the bottom. This pattern creates a nucleation site that catalyzes releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the beer.
When poured into a nucleated glass, the CO2 bubbles are released from the beer more evenly and in smaller sizes, which creates a beautiful effervescence and a creamy head. It enhances the beer’s appearance and releases more aromas and flavors, making the drinking experience even more enjoyable.
Nucleated beer glasses come in various shapes and sizes, from pint glasses to tulip glasses, and can be made from various materials, such as glass or stainless steel. They are often used to serve beer with high carbonation levels, such as IPAs or lagers.
One of the benefits of using a nucleated beer glass is that it can help maintain the beer’s carbonation level for a longer period. That means your beer will stay fresher for longer, and you can enjoy it at its best.
Which Glass Types Are Not Ideal for Serving Beer?
While many different glasses can be used to serve beer, some glasses are not ideal.
Wine Glasses
While wine glasses are great for drinking wine, they are not well-suited for beer. The narrow rim and long stem of a wine glass can make it difficult to enjoy the full aroma and flavor of the beer. It can also make it more difficult to handle and drink.
Shot Glasses
Shot glasses are typically too small to hold a full serving of beer and can make it difficult to enjoy the full aroma and flavor of the beer. They are also not designed to maintain the temperature of the beer or enhance its appearance.
Mason Jars
While mason jars may have a trendy aesthetic, they are not ideal for serving beer. The wide opening of the jar can make it difficult to control the pour, leading to excessive foam and spillage. They also do not have the same shape and design features as a proper beer glass, which can impact the drinking experience.
Plastic Cups
While plastic cups may be convenient for outdoor events or parties, they are not ideal for serving beer. The cup’s material can affect the taste and aroma of the beer, and they do not offer the same insulation or shape as proper glass.