IPA - Specialty IPA - White IPA
Name
Specialty IPA - White IPA
Category
IPA
The IPA category is for modern American IPAs and their derivatives. This does not imply that English IPAs aren’t proper IPAs or that there isn’t a relationship between them. This is simply a method of grouping similar styles for competition purposes. English IPAs are grouped with other English-derived beers, and the stronger Double IPA is grouped with stronger American beers. The term “IPA” is intentionally not spelled out as “India Pale Ale” since none of these beers historically went to India, and many aren’t pale. However, the term IPA has come to be a balance-defined style in modern craft beer.
Guidelines
Impression
A fruity, spicy, refreshing version of an American IPA, but with a lighter color, less body, and featuring the distinctive yeast or spice additions typical of a Witbier.
Aroma
Moderate esters, often orange, grapefruit, apricot, or sometimes banana. Light spices optional, usually coriander, orange peel, pepper, or clove. Medium-low to medium hop aroma, often stone fruit, citrus, or tropical fruit. Esters and spices may reduce perception of hop aroma. Low neutral, grainy, or bready malt. Light alcohol aroma optional.
Appearance
Pale to deep golden color. Typically hazy. Moderate to large, dense white head that persists.
Flavor
Moderate to high esters, medium-low to medium-high hop flavor, and light spices, all with the same descriptors as aroma. Light malt flavor, perhaps a bit bready. High bitterness. Moderately dry, refreshing finish. Background alcohol flavor optional.
Mouth Feel
Medium-light body. Medium to medium-high carbonation. Light spice astringency optional. Low warmth optional.
Comments
A craft beer interpretation of American IPA crossed with a Witbier. Spice impression may come from Belgian yeast, spice additions, or both.
History
American craft brewers developed the style as a late winter or spring seasonal beer to appeal to Witbier and IPA drinkers alike.
Ingredients
Pale and wheat malts, Belgian Witbier yeast, citrusy American type hops. Coriander and orange peel optional.
Comparison
Bitter, hoppy, and stronger like an American IPA but fruity, spicy, and light like a Witbier. Typically late hops are not as prominent as in American IPA.
Statistics
| Type | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|
| OG | 1.056 | 1.065 |
| FG | 1.010 | 1.016 |
| IBU | 40 | 70 |
| SRM | 5 | 6 |
| ABV | 5.5 | 7.0 |
Commercial Examples
- Lagunitas A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ Ale
- New Belgium Accumulation
Tags
- high-strength
- pale-color
- top-fermented
- north-america
- craft-style
- ipa-family
- specialty-family
- bitter
- hoppy
- spice