India Pale Ale, or IPA, has become a buzzword in the craft beer world, known for its bold hop flavours and aromatic profiles. At Hawkers, we take pride in crafting our own signature Hawkers IPA and iconic West Coast IPA style, a brew that exemplifies the artistry and dedication of our brewers.
A Historical Journey: Origins of IPA
The history of IPA dates back to the 18th century when British brewers, shipping beer to colonies in India, sought ways to preserve the beer during the long sea voyage. To prevent spoilage, they increased the hop content and alcohol level. The result was a beer with a distinct hoppy bitterness, which proved to be a hit. Over time, the style evolved, and the modern IPA was born.
Hops: The Heart and Soul of IPA
One of the key factors that contribute to IPA's popularity is its generous use of hops. Hops not only act as a natural preservative but also impart a wide range of flavours and aromas. From citrus and pine to floral and tropical fruit notes, the variety of hop profiles allows brewers to create a diverse array of IPAs to suit different palates.
Brewing Techniques: Mastering the Art of Hop Infusion
Crafting the perfect IPA involves a delicate balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness. Brewers employ various techniques, such as dry hopping and late-hop additions, to extract the maximum flavour and aroma from the hops. Dry hopping, in particular, involves adding hops after the boiling process, intensifying the beer's hop character without contributing much bitterness.
Hawkers IPA: A Journey in Every Sip
Hawkers IPA is a homage to hops, meticulously brewed to showcase its classic, refined, and shamelessly hopped profile. Striking a perfect chord between bitterness, malt, and flavour, this IPA allows its aromatic hop characters to play a melody that captivates the palate. Leading the charge are American and Kiwi hops, unleashing robust citrus and tropical notes that retain a stunning smashability factor. Carefully blending these elements creates a harmonious balance, establishing it as the go-to choice for beer enthusiasts seeking a truly distinctive and flavour-packed experience. With every indulgent sip of Hawkers IPA, you're not merely enjoying a beer; you're savouring the craftsmanship and passion woven into the very fabric of each batch.
The West Coast IPA Legacy
Originating in the craft beer mecca of the United States, West Coast IPA has become synonymous with hop-forward flavours and a crisp, bitter finish. Known for its clear appearance and emphasis on hop varieties like Cascade and Centennial, West Coast IPA has left an indelible mark on the craft beer landscape.
Hawkers and the West Coast Vibe
At Hawkers, we not only embrace the West Coast IPA tradition but also infuse it with our unique Australian twist. Our brewers draw inspiration from the audacious and unruly nature of the West Coast style, where waiting for pleasantries is simply not in the playbook. Instead, we boldly integrate unapologetic quantities of American and Kiwi hops, delivering punchy floral aromas accompanied by distinctive notes of citrus, pine, and resin. This daring approach to brewing results in a harmonious blend of tradition and boundary-pushing innovation that defines our West Coast-inspired IPA, celebrating bold flavours.
IPA vs. Hazy IPA: Unraveling the Differences
While traditional IPAs showcase clarity and a pronounced bitterness, the Hazy IPA introduces a cloudiness that brings a softer mouthfeel and emphasises hop aroma. Hawkers Beer offers a diverse lineup that caters to both preferences, allowing you to explore the spectrum of IPA styles.
Conclusion: Embrace the Hoppy Adventure
As we wrap up our journey through the IPA realm, we invite you to explore the diverse world of hops with our IPA, Hazy IPA and West Coast IPA varieties - not to be forgotten, our seasonally released Double IPA and Double West Coast IPA, each released quarterly.
Whether you're a fan of the classic Hawkers IPA or keen to discover the West Coast vibes, our lineup is crafted to satisfy the cravings of every hop enthusiast. Join us in raising a glass to the bold flavours, rich history, and ongoing innovation that define the IPA experience at Hawkers.
