Overview for the American Double IPA

Also known as an Imperial IPA, the American Double IPA is a stronger and higher hopped version of the American IPA. The style originated in the 1990s when craft breweries wanted to provide a more intense offering to hopheads. The DIPA has more hop bitterness than Strong Ales and Barleywines but has less alcohol.

Style Expectations

An intensely hoppy, fairly strong pale ale without the big, rich, complex maltiness and residual sweetness and body of an American barleywine. Strongly hopped, but clean, dry, and lacking harshness. Drinkability is an important characteristic; this should not be a heavy, sipping beer.

Appearance

Color ranges from golden to light orange-copper; most modern versions are fairly pale. Good clarity, although unfiltered dry-hopped versions may be a bit hazy. Moderate-sized, persistent, white to off-white head.

Aroma

A prominent to intense hop aroma that typically showcases American or New World hop characteristics (citrus, floral, pine, resinous, spicy, tropical fruit, stone fruit, berry, melon, etc.). Most versions are dry hopped and can have an additional resinous or grassy aroma, although this is not absolutely required. Some clean malty sweetness may be found in the background. Fruitiness, either from esters or hops, may also be detected in some versions, although a neutral fermentation character is typical. Some alcohol can usually be noted, but it should not have a \"hot\" character.

Flavor

Hop flavor is strong and complex, and can reflect the characteristics of modern American or New World hop varieties (citrus, floral, pine, resinous, spicy, tropical fruit, stone fruit, berry, melon, etc.). High to absurdly high hop bitterness. Low to medium malt flavor, generally clean and grainy-malty although low levels of caramel or toasty flavors are acceptable. Low to medium fruitiness is acceptable but not required. A long, lingering bitterness is usually present in the aftertaste but should not be harsh. Dry to medium-dry finish; should not finish sweet or heavy. A light, clean, smooth alcohol flavor is not a fault. Oak is inappropriate in this style. May be slightly sulfury, but most examples do not exhibit this character.

Mouthfeel

Medium-light to medium body, with a smooth texture. Medium to medium-high carbonation. No harsh hop-derived astringency. Restrained, smooth alcohol warming acceptable.

Reviews

Liberty Bell Ringer

American Double IPA  •  Victory Brewing Company

Liberty Bell Ringer is an American Double IPA by Victory Brewing Company that blends citrus and tropical fruit with bready malt and booze. Read More

Oranges are Orange Milkshake DIPA

American Double IPA  •  Lead Dog Brewing

Oranges are Orange Milkshake DIPA is an American Double IPA by Lead Dog Brewing that features juicy orange and sweet vanilla. Read More

Sharrow

American Double IPA  •  Cycle Brewing Company

Sharrow is an American Double IPA by Cycle Brewing Company that delivers piney and floral hoppiness that’s well-balanced by its malty backbone. Read More

Revengeful Spirit Imperial IPA

American Double IPA  •  Stone Brewing

The Revengeful Spirit Imperial IPA is an American Double IPA by Stone Brewing that blends tropical fruit with extra hops and booze. Read More

Hoptimum

American Double IPA  •  Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

The Hoptimum Triple IPA brewed by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. strikes a wonderful balance between hops, malt, and boozy strength. Read More

Hazy Boomsauce

American Double IPA  •  Lord Hobo Brewing Co.

The Hazy Boomsauce is an American Double IPA brewed in the New England style by Lord Hobo Brewing Co. and delivers a hoppy blast of biting and juicy fruit. Read More

Subject Eighteen

American Double IPA  •  Civil Society Brewing Co.

Subject Eighteen is a New England-style American Double IPA by Civil Society Brewing Co. that blends hoppy citrus, resin and tropical fruit. Read More

DDH Camo

American Double IPA  •  Civil Society Brewing Co.

DDH Camo is a New England-style American Double IPA by Civil Society Brewing Co. that balances juicy citrus with sweet stone fruit and doughy bread. Read More

Waldo’s Special Ale

American Double IPA  •  Lagunitas Brewing Company

Waldo’s Special Ale is an American Double IPA by Lagunitas Brewing Company that’s an absolute hop bomb of layered hoppiness, booze, and a hefty malt backbone. Read More

You’re Not Wrong

American Double IPA  •  Civil Society Brewing Co.Sand City Brewing Co.

You’re Not Wrong is an American Double IPA by Civil Society Brewing Co. and Sand City Brewing Co. that blends pine and citrus with tropical fruit and toasted bread. Read More

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