The History of IPA Beer: From Empire Origins to Craft Beer Icon

India Pale Ale, or IPA, is one of the most iconic styles in modern craft brewing. Known for its bold hop character and diverse interpretations, IPA has evolved dramatically over the past two centuries. But where did it all begin and how did it become a staple in today’s alcohol-free and low-ABV beer scene?

Let’s take a hop-fuelled journey through time

The Origins of IPA: A Beer Built for the British Empire

IPA’s roots date back to the 18th century when the British Empire was expanding into India. British troops and expatriates stationed in India craved a taste of home, particularly pale ales, which were popular back in England.

However, the long sea voyage to India through varying climates and rough seas often spoiled regular beer.

To preserve the beer on its journey, brewers increased the alcohol content and added extra hops, a natural preservative. This resulted in a stronger, hoppier version of pale ale that could survive the trip. The result? India Pale Ale.

IPA’s Evolution: From Colonial Utility to Craft Beer Champion

By the 19th century, IPA had caught on not just in India but also back home in England. It became a popular export and was soon being brewed by nearly every major British brewery.

In the 20th century, IPA’s popularity waned as lagers and milder ales became dominant. But it wouldn’t stay quiet for long.

The craft beer revolution of the 1980s and 1990s especially in the United States, breathed new life into the IPA. American brewers embraced bolder, more aromatic hop varieties like Cascade, Simcoe, and Citra, sparking the birth of the American IPA.

This kicked off an explosion of substyles:

• West Coast IPA – clear, bitter, piney
• New England IPA (NEIPA) – hazy, juicy, soft
• Double and Triple IPAs – higher ABV, more hops
• Session IPA – lower alcohol but still hoppy

Enter the Alcohol-Free IPA: All the Hops, None of the Hangover

More recently, the IPA style has found a new home in the alcohol-free beer market. Brewers like BrewDog, Big Drop, and others have shown that you can maintain hop-forward character without the buzz.

Thanks to advancements in brewing techniques and growing demand for mindful drinking, alcohol-free IPAs are now among the most popular AF beer styles. Whether it’s a hazy New England style or a crisp session variant, these beers deliver bold flavour and complexity while keeping the ABV at or below 0.5%.

Why IPA Continues to Thrive

IPA’s flexibility is what makes it timeless. Whether brewed for long sea voyages, pushing flavour boundaries, or offering low- and no-alcohol alternatives, IPA continues to adapt and inspire.

At Modest Drinker, we’ve reviewed some standout alcohol-free IPAs, including BrewDog’s Hazy AF, which captures the juicy essence of a NEIPA without the alcohol.

Final Thoughts

From its humble beginnings as a survival tactic for British sailors to becoming a craft beer juggernaut, IPA has always been about innovation and boldness. Whether you love them bitter, hazy, or booze-free, there’s an IPA out there for everyone.