--- title: "English IPA vs. American IPA: Style References, Similarities, and Differences" description: "IPA beers (India Pale Ale) are a top-fermented beer style with over 200 years of history, increasingly widespread and appreciated around the world, and from which new variations emerge from time to time." url: https://www.thebeertimes.com/en/english-ipa-vs-american-ipa-style-references-similarities-and-differences/ date: 2021-08-05 modified: 2026-08-06 author: "Carlos Uhart M." image: https://www.thebeertimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Ipa_Inglesa_vs_IPA_Americana.jpg categories: ["Culture"] tags: ["Beer Styles", "BJCP", "Estilos de Cerveja", "História", "History", "India Pale Ale", "IPA"] type: post lang: en --- # English IPA vs. American IPA: Style References, Similarities, and Differences India Pale Ales (IPAs) are a beer style with a rich history dating back over 200 years, being one of the most influential and dynamic styles in the beer world. ![English IPA vs American IPA](https://www.thebeertimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Ipa_Inglesa_vs_IPA_Americana.jpg)*English IPA vs. American IPA* According to the [BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines](https://www.bjcp.org/beer-styles/beer-style-guidelines/) (Beer Judge Certification Program), IPAs are mainly divided into two categories within multiple subcategories: English IPA and American IPA. Each has its own characteristics that reflect local ingredients, techniques, and traditions, and have given rise to variations that now dominate the global craft beer market. Below, we review the characteristics that define each one, based on the most recent official guidelines. ## A look at the historical origin English IPA was born in the late 18th and early 19th centuries in England, designed to withstand the journey to the colonies in the East Indies. It was a Pale Ale with a higher hop load and slightly more alcohol to ensure preservation. George Hodgson and the Burton-on-Trent breweries, known for their water with high sulfate content, were key players in its popularization. Over time, the style lost popularity until the 1980s, when the American craft revolution revived it, giving way to the American IPA, which reinterpreted the recipe with local hops and techniques. ## Aromas that distinguish each style English IPA presents floral, spicy, and citrus aromas, especially natural oranges, with moderate to high presence. It may include herbal notes and slight fresh grass hints if dry hopping is applied, though it is not mandatory. Malt provides low to moderate aromas, such as caramel or toffee, and may have a slight fruitiness. In some cases, sulfury notes appear, but they are not an essential part of the style. American IPA, on the other hand, is characterized by a much more intense and striking aroma, with profiles ranging from citrus and floral to resinous and tropical. Modern hop varieties are often used, providing notes of tropical fruits, berries, or stone fruits. Dry hopping is common to enhance hop freshness. The malt base is light and clean, almost neutral. ## Visual appearance and foam In terms of appearance, English IPA ranges from light gold to deep amber. It is usually clear, except when dry hopping is applied, which may cause slight haze. The foam is moderate in size, white or off-white, with medium persistence. American IPA, on the other hand, has colors ranging from medium gold to light reddish amber. Like the English version, it is mainly clear, although some dry-hopped versions may be slightly hazy. The foam is usually white and long-lasting. ## Flavors and balance on the palate The flavor of English IPA stands out for a medium to high bitterness, with floral, spicy, and citrus notes from British hops, complemented by malts reminiscent of bread, biscuit, or toffee, with a slight sweetness. The finish is dry, and the bitterness lingers in the aftertaste without being aggressive. In Burton-on-Trent beers, the mineral and dry bitterness is more pronounced. Stronger versions may show a slight alcoholic warmth. In contrast, American IPA offers a more pronounced bitterness, with intense American hop flavors that can be citrusy, resinous, floral, or fruity. The malt is barely perceptible and very clean, with little to no residual sweetness. The finish is also dry and bitter, but without harshness. Stronger versions may present a very subtle alcoholic warmth. ## Mouthfeel and body English IPA feels medium-low to medium-bodied, with moderate carbonation that helps create a dry and refreshing sensation. It usually has no astringency, and stronger versions may have a warm alcohol touch that does not clash. American IPA typically has a medium-light to medium body, with a smooth texture and medium to high carbonation. It also presents no harsh astringency, and a slight alcoholic warmth is acceptable as long as it does not unbalance the experience. ## Technical data English IPA has an original gravity between 1.050 and 1.075, final gravity of 1.010 to 1.018, bitterness between 40 and 60 IBU, color between 6 and 14 SRM, and an alcohol content of 5.0 to 7.5% ABV. American IPA has a slightly higher original gravity, between 1.056 and 1.070, final gravity of 1.008 to 1.014, bitterness of 40 to 70 IBU, color between 6 and 14 SRM, and an ABV ranging from 5.5 to 7.5%. ## Classic examples of both styles Recognized English IPAs include Fuller’s Bengal Lancer IPA, Meantime India Pale Ale, and Thornbridge Jaipur. On the American side, standouts include Lagunitas IPA, Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale, and Stone IPA, among others. ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ### How does water type influence the flavor of an English IPA? The water from Burton-on-Trent, with its high sulfate content, is key to the dry and mineral profile characteristic of many classic English IPAs. This type of water enhances hop bitterness and provides a more pronounced and vibrant finish, something less common in American IPAs. ### What role does dry hopping play in both versions? In American IPA, dry hopping is a common resource to intensify fresh and complex aromas from modern hops, while in English IPA it is less common and, when used, tends to be more subtle, maintaining a more traditional and spicy profile. ### Why does American IPA tend to be hazier than English IPA? Many American IPAs incorporate techniques such as cold dry hopping and the use of yeasts that generate a certain level of haze, as well as ingredients like oats or wheat that add body and opacity. In contrast, English IPA is usually clearer, reflecting its tradition and production method. ### How does bitterness perception vary between the two? Although both have marked bitterness, English IPA offers a more rounded bitterness balanced with the malt, while American IPA tends to be more intense and sharp, with more aggressive hop flavors that highlight fruit and resin. ### How important is yeast in the profile of these beers? The typical British yeast in English IPA adds subtle fruity and spicy nuances that enrich the profile, while American yeasts tend to be more neutral to allow hops to shine with greater prominence. ## We Recommend - [Founders Backwoods Bastard: Tasting notes and recommended pairings by a beer sommelier](https://www.thebeertimes.com/founders-backwoods-bastard-notas-de-cata/) - [Could you drink a beer that has been exposed to a nuclear explosion?](https://www.thebeertimes.com/estudio-demuestra-podrias-beber-una-cerveza-expuesta-una-explosion-nuclear/)