Beer 101: What is an IPA?

What is an India Pale Ale?

HISTORY | The name IPA, or India Pale Ale, can be a little confusing. Most would think of India as being the origin of this brewing process but that is not the case. It was invented in the 17th century when British soldiers were attempting to colonize the country. Because they were so far away from home, all of the beer that was sent there wound up spoiling before it ever hit Indian soil. They were forced to come up with a new way of creating the suds that was heavy on the hops. More hops equates to a longer shelf life because they are a natural preservative.

BITTER IS BETTER | If you’ve never tried an IPA, you should consider this before you take your first sip: it is an acquired taste. The brew is packed with hops which, in most cases, adds to its bitterness level. However, many IPA’s feature a citrus or floral undertone.

SO TRENDY | India Pale Ales are playing a major part in the craft beer boom happening throughout the United States right now. There are three breweries in Williamson County and all three of them produce their own IPA (Mill Creek Brewery’s Woodshed, Mantra Artisan Ales’ Saffron, and Cool Springs Brewery’s Mango IPA) and all three are uniquely different. As more and more people acquire the taste for these specialty brews, more and more variations will become available.



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