A triple IPA, also known as a 3X IPA or an Imperial IPA, is a strong and hoppy style of beer that falls under the India Pale Ale (IPA) category. Triple IPAs are typically brewed with three times the amount of hops used in a standard IPA, resulting in a high alcohol content and intense bitterness. These beers are not for the faint of heart and are often enjoyed by hopheads and beer enthusiasts who appreciate bold and complex flavors.

The Origins of IPA

Before we dive into the world of Triple IPA, let us first understand the origins of IPA. IPA stands for India Pale Ale, a style of beer that originated in England in the 19th century. During this time, British brewers were struggling to keep their beer fresh during the long sea voyage to India. To solve this problem, they began adding more hops and alcohol to the beer, which acted as natural preservatives.

Understanding IPA

IPA quickly became popular in England, and eventually, America picked up on the trend. In general, IPAs are characterized by their strong hop flavor and high alcohol content. They come in a variety of sub-styles, including West Coast IPA, New England IPA, and Double IPA.

Triple IPA is a relatively new sub-style of beer that has gained popularity in the craft beer community. As the name suggests, Triple IPA is a hopped-up version of Double IPA, which is already known for its high alcohol content and intense hop flavor.

The Characteristics of Triple IPA

Triple IPA is characterized by its high alcohol content, typically ranging from 10-12% ABV. It also has a very strong hop flavor and aroma, often with notes of citrus, pine, and tropical fruit. This style of beer is not for the faint of heart and is best enjoyed by experienced beer drinkers who appreciate the intensity of the flavor and alcohol content.

The Brewing Process

The brewing process for Triple IPA is similar to that of other IPAs, but with a few key differences. Brewers use a large amount of hops during the brewing process, which can result in a beer with a very bitter taste. To balance out the bitterness, brewers will often add more malt to the recipe, which can help to sweeten the beer and add complexity to the flavor.

Food Pairings

Due to its intense flavor profile, Triple IPA pairs well with bold, spicy foods. It also goes well with rich, savory dishes, such as barbecue or roasted meats. For those who prefer a vegetarian or vegan diet, Triple IPA can be paired with spicy vegetable dishes or grilled tofu.

FAQs for What is a Triple IPA

Triple IPA, also known as Triple India Pale Ale, is a highly hopped beer that is similar to the American IPA. However, what sets a Triple IPA apart is its high alcohol content, typically above 10% ABV and an extremely high hop content. Triple IPAs have a more intense and complex flavor than traditional IPAs, with a hoppy bitterness to balance the sweetness of the malt. They are known for their smoothness and strength, with the hops giving rise to a citrusy, floral or piney aroma, and the alcohol providing a warming sensation on the palate.

How do Triple IPAs differ from Double IPAs?

Triple IPAs are an iteration of Double IPAs, also known as Imperial IPAs, but with even more hops and malt. They are a variation of the standard IPA with increased amounts of hops that provide a strong hop flavor, aroma, and aftertaste, as well as a high alcohol content, resulting in a stronger kick compared to double IPAs. However, when compared to double IPAs, they have a more robust and bitter flavor profile.

What are the IBU and ABV of Triple IPAs?

Triple IPAs generally have a high International Bittering Unit (IBU) rating ranging from 90 to 120 and a high alcohol by volume (ABV) typically above 10%. The higher the IBU, the higher the bitterness level in the beer, while the ABV determines the strength of the beer. Due to their high ABV, Triple IPAs are typically consumed slowly, often in small portions to ensure that drinkers feel the effect of the alcohol steadily.

What food pairs best with Triple IPAs?

Triple IPAs are bold, complex, and have intense flavors that can be challenging to pair with food. Rich and spicy food items like potent blue cheese, barbecue, spicy nachos, or grilled meat go well with the bold and high-flavored Triple IPAs. The strong hoppy and bitter flavor of Triple IPAs can also pair delicately with sweeter dishes—desserts like British sticky toffees, fig tarts, or caramel pudding. The sweetness of these dishes strikes a balance with the bitterness from the hopped Triple IPA. In general, Triple IPAs are best when consumed on their own to enjoy their unique taste experience fully.

What distinguishes Triple IPAs from other beer styles?

The defining characteristics of Triple IPAs are their strong hoppy flavor and their high alcohol content, making them stand out from other beer styles. The intense flavors of Triple IPAs are distinguishable from other hoppy beer styles like American IPAs or Imperial IPAs. On the other hand, the high alcohol content separates Triple IPAs from lighter beer styles like pale ales or lagers. The combination of these factors results in a unique taste experience that sets Triple IPAs apart from other beer styles.