IPA stands for India Pale Ale and is known for its hoppy and bitter taste. Imperial IPAs, or Double IPAs, are a stronger version of an IPA with a higher alcohol content and more intense hop character.
The higher alcohol content is achieved by using more malt, which adds flavor and aroma, as well as a higher gravity level that increases the alcohol level. These beers have a bolder taste than an IPA, with a heavier body, sweeter flavor, and a more intense hop profile.
The hops used in Imperial IPAs give them a more prominent, intense citrus, floral, and/or herbal character. Imperial IPAs typically range from 8-10% ABV, and some even go up to 14% ABV. They are known for their hop character, which can range from sweet and fruity to full of citrusy, grassy and piney flavors.
The higher alcohol content also lends itself to a fuller body and longer finish than a traditional IPA.
Why is it called an Imperial IPA?
Imperial IPAs earned the nickname “Imperial” because they are an amplified version of the India Pale Ale. Imperial, or Double, IPAs feature an increased malt profile, alcohol content, and hop levels compared to traditional IPAs.
This bold, intense flavor and higher ABV are what makes Imperial IPAs stand apart.
The higher hop levels in Imperial IPAs mean that the beer has a strong bitterness, stronger aroma, and higher hop bitterness, which makes it more flavorful than other IPAs. Additionally, it has a higher ABV than other IPAs and is usually between 7-10%.
The high alcohol content, intense hop flavors, and higher malt profiles of Imperial IPAs make them popular amongst beer drinkers and craft breweries.
The name “Imperial” may have been adopted from the old Russian monarchs, who referred to their strongest beer as “Imperial. ” It could also be that the name was given to these strong beers to reflect the intensity of the flavor compared to other IPAs.
No matter the origin, Imperial IPAs have become a popular style of beer amongst craft breweries and beer connoisseurs alike. With their higher ABV and intense flavor, Imperial IPAs offer beer drinkers a unique drinking experience.
How does a beer become Imperial?
An Imperial beer is any beer brewed to higher strength than normal, typically at least 8-12% ABV. This style of beer is also known as a Double or Strong beer.
Imperial beers are usually brewed with more malt and hops than regular beers, resulting in a richer, more intense flavor as well as increased body, color and alcohol content. While many of the traditional ingredients remain the same, brewers will use more of them and add more complex flavors from specialty grains, sugars, and fruits.
To become Imperial, a beer requires a longer fermentation period and a higher-level of fermentation, often using a specific yeast strain to produce the desired flavors. The beer is then aged for several weeks or months to mellow out the flavors and give it more complexity.
Imperial beers were traditionally brewed by Russian and Baltic brewers to celebrate special occasions and were therefore labeled Imperial styles. These beers were so strong, they were considered fit for the King and were referred to as “Imperial”.
Today, brewers of all styles and sizes use the Imperial labeling to denote beers of higher strength. Whether it’s an Imperial Stout, Imperial IPA, or Double IPA, these beers typically have an ABV around 8-12% and an intense flavor profile that stands out from other beers.
What is the highest rated IPA?
According to the website Beer Advocate, the highest-rated IPA is the Heady Topper by The Alchemist Brewery. It has an overall score of 4. 67 out of 5 stars and an average of 4. 83 out of 5 stars from over 21,000 ratings.
This Imperial IPA has a robust and smooth texture with a strong hop aroma, balance of citrus and lemon essence, and a strong and complex flavor. It is available solely in cans in and around the greater Burlington, VT area, as well as in limited nearby and distant states.
Heady Topper has become one of the most sought-after craft beers, frequently receiving perfect scores from critics and earning accolades from the craft beer industry.
What makes an IPA a triple?
An IPA that is classified as a triple has an increased alcohol content, a higher bitterness, and a fuller body than a regular IPA. The alcohol content of a triple IPA usually ranges between 8-10% ABV and the bitterness can range from 50-100+ IBUs.
The hop character usually falls into the more tropical fruit-forward and resinous notes as opposed to floral and citrus notes that are associated with other IPAs. The malt body of a triple IPA is usually fuller in body and higher in alcohol content than a regular IPA.
This fuller body and higher alcohol content gives the triple IPA a more intense, robust flavor than its counterpart.
Is a Double IPA an Imperial IPA?
No, a Double IPA is not an Imperial IPA. A Double IPA, also known as an Imperial IPA, is a stronger version of the traditional India Pale Ale. It has a higher alcohol content and a more intense hop bitterness, flavor and aroma than a regular IPA.
Double IPAs are sometimes referred to as “Imperial IPAs” because they are stronger and more flavorful than their regular counterparts. The term imperial IPA is thought to have originated in the United States, where it is used to refer to IPAs that are higher in alcohol and have more intense hop characteristics.
Double IPAs are sometimes brewed with additional hops, malt, or alcohol to enhance the hop presence and complexity of the beer. Although they have some similarities in terms of strength and hop characteristics, Imperial IPAs are not the same as Double IPAs.
Imperial IPAs are typically brewed with a higher starting gravity, higher bitterness, and more alcohol than Double IPAs, resulting in a stronger and more intense beer. Therefore, a Double IPA is not an Imperial IPA.
What is a Double IPA?
A Double IPA (also known as an Imperial IPA) is an India Pale Ale that has been brewed with more hops and higher alcohol content than a traditional IPA. As a result of these higher levels, Double IPAs have a more intense hop character and a higher level of bitterness than other IPAs.
The increased hop flavor also creates an intense citrus and piney aroma, as well as strong characteristics of tropical fruits, such as passionfruit, apricot, and mango. Double IPAs often have ABV levels above 7 percent, with some reaching up to 12 percent.
Because of its much higher ABV, Double IPAs are not meant to be consumed in large quantities, and one or two glasses is often enough to enjoy its intense flavor.
What does Imperial mean in beer?
Imperial in beer is a term used to describe a beer that has a higher alcohol content than most regular beers. Imperial beers usually contain between 7-12% ABV (alcohol by volume), while mainstream beers most commonly have an ABV of 4-6%.
Imperial beers also tend to have a heftier flavor profile to them including deeper, more intense hops, roast, caramel and malt flavors. Imperial beers often come in large bottles, and some brewers may opt to age them in oak barrels or add extra hops to keep them fresh longer.
Imperial beers can often be quite expensive and it takes longer to make them, as a result.
What is Imperial beer made of?
Imperial beer is a craft beer produced with natural ingredients that lend a distinct flavor to this full-bodied brew. The main ingredients found in Imperial beer include malted barley, hops, yeast, and water.
The malted barley provides the sugars that will be used by the yeast to produce the alcohol and carbonation of the beer. The hops offer an array of bitterness and aroma to the beer. The yeast is used to ferment the sugars in the malted barley and produce the alcohol and carbonation.
Different flavors can be added to the mix as well, however, these are typically not considered major components of the brew. Common flavors added to Imperial beer include coconut, maple, chocolate, coffee, and various fruits.
Ultimately, the distinctive flavor of Imperial beer is achieved through the combination of the traditional ingredients and hand-crafted brewing techniques.
How do you make an Imperial beer?
Making an Imperial beer is a complex process that requires special attention to each step. The first step is selecting the malt, to provide the beer’s body and flavor. Choose malts that are especially flavorful and can give the beer a balanced sweetness, such as pale ale, Vienna, Munich, and some specialty malts.
Next, the hops should be decided. Imperial beers can handle the highest of Alpha acid hops, from Varieties like Magnum, Chinook, or Centennial. The hop bitterness should balance the malt sweetness, and Alteration or dry hopping may be used for additional hop aroma and flavor.
The mash process should be designed to extract as much of the flavors and fermentable sugars as possible, typically with a higher-than-normal temperature and watchful stirring. The mash temperature should reach at least 154 °F (68 °C) and is usually followed by a higher-temperature knockout, typically at 168-170 °F (76–77 °C).
Next, a high-gravity wort should be generated, preferably with an OG of at least 1. 075. Since the resulting beer will be quite strong, a higher wort dilution might be necessary. Finally, choose a yeast suitable for strong beers, like Imperial Yeast – Beastie, which can tolerate alcohol levels up to 18%.
Once the beer is brewed, it should be fermented for a longer time in order to reduce the amount of yeast flavor and help the beer to reach its target gravity. Finally, carbonation and packaging steps should follow, typically using bottles and kegs.
Are imperial IPAs double IPAs?
No, an Imperial IPA (also known as a Double IPA) is not the same as a regular India Pale Ale (IPA). An Imperial IPA is a much stronger, hoppier version of a regular IPA. It generally has double or triple the hop character, along with a higher alcohol content.
Imperial IPAs are often brewed with several different types of hops to contribute to the intense hop aroma and flavor. The malt character is also much more assertive than in a regular IPA. The color of an Imperial IPA can range from a pale golden hue to a darker copper tone, depending on the malt bill used in the brewing process.
Generally, an Imperial IPA will have a higher IBU (International Bitterness Units) rating than a standard IPA. This means more bitterness and hop flavor than an IPA, but with a smoother finish.
What ABV is considered imperial?
Most beers are classified as ‘abv’ or ‘alcohol by volume’ percentage. The ABV will determine the strength of the beer and also affects taste, body and mouthfeel. Generally, a beer is considered to be imperial if it has an ABV of 8% or higher.
This is because imperial beers are usually highly alcoholic and they are usually considered special occasion beers. They are typically higher in alcohol content and much bolder in taste. Imperial beers are brewed to last and will often last for months given their high level of alcohol.
Imperial beers can be a great choice for sipping, sharing with friends, or used in cooking dishes to add an extra dimension of flavor.
