Double IPA: What Sets it Apart from IPA

In the world of craft beer, there are styles of beer that have gained immense popularity, each with its unique characteristics and flavour profiles. Among these, the IPA (India Pale Ale) stands out as a frontrunner, loved for its bold hoppy flavours and bitter tendencies. But within the realm of IPAs, there exists a variant that takes things up a notch – the Double IPA, or DIPA. 

What is a Double IPA (DIPA)?

A Double IPA,  is essentially a stronger, hoppier version of the traditional IPA. While there's no strict definition, DIPAs typically have a higher alcohol content and an amplified hop presence compared to their IPA counterparts. This results in a brew that's more intense in flavour, aroma, and often, bitterness - this means an all round hard hitting beer.

Understanding the Hops:

One of the defining characteristics of both IPAs and DIPAs is their generous use of hops. Hops contribute bitterness, flavour, and aroma to the beer. In a DIPA, brewers often use an abundance of hops, sometimes adding multiple varieties throughout the brewing process. This creates a complex flavour profile with layers of citrus, pine, floral, and sometimes even tropical fruit notes. We use 4 varieties in our Haze Craze DIPA, making a really unique and hazy DIPA with tropical fruit and boozy tones.

Alcohol Content:

While a standard IPA typically ranges from 5.5% to 7.5% ABV, a Double IPA ramps things up. DIPAs often have an alcohol content ranging from 7.5% to 10% ABV or even higher in some cases. This higher alcohol content not only contributes to the beer's strength but also provides a robust body that balances out the intense hop character.

Malt Backbone:

To support the increased hop load and alcohol content, DIPAs often feature a robust malt backbone. This means brewers use a variety of malted grains, such as pale malt, Munich malt, or even specialty malts like caramel or honey malt, to provide a sturdy foundation for the beer. This creates a craft beer that's not only hop-forward but also has a noticeable malt sweetness that helps balance out the bitterness.

Our Haze Craze DIPA:

The double IPA in our stable is "Haze Craze", a beer that exemplifies the characteristics of a classic Double IPA. With an alcohol content of 8% ABV, it sits comfortably within the typical range for DIPAs. This brew boasts a hazy appearance, a hop heavy recipe and a real hoppy craft beer slap in the face.

In terms of flavour, "Haze Craze" showcases a symphony of hop-derived goodness. Bursting with citrusy aromas and juicy tropical fruit flavours, it delivers a sensory experience that's both bold and refreshing. The malt backbone provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the bitterness, resulting in a harmonious drinking experience from start to finish.

If you love hoppy craft beer and prefer hazy beer then Haze Craze DIPA could well be the one for you.