From a storied and debated history rooted in English Colonialism, India Pale Ales (now more commonly just IPAs) found renewed interest and excitement in the USA around the start of the century and became perhaps THE main driver in the rise of independent craft beer through the western world.
Taking inspiration from overseas, Australian Indie brewers started producing and refining their take on this style which focuses on prominent crisp bitterness (often on the high to very high side), hop intensity founded on resin, pine and citrus character, boosted alcohol (generally 6.3 – 7.5% in standard strength versions) little to no haze and a deliberate maltiness.
With local taste and climatic preference, Australian versions of Traditional IPAs often sway slightly lower on ABV (from around 5.6 – 6.4% ABV), but still deliver staunch hoppiness with bold refreshment in mind.
Words & Styles to Look For: IPA, West Coast IPA, WCIPA, English IPA, Black IPA, Red IPA, Rye IPA, DIPA.
