Did he really be born in India or is it just a story?
The history of India Pale Ale (IPA) has traveled the pages of time, catching both enthusiasts and inexperienced tasters. It is said that the British brewers needed a drink that resisted the adversities of the trip to India. But is that all? Join us on this journey to explore the myths and truths that surround this famous beer.
George Hodgson: The wrong hero
The figure of George Hodgson, a Bow Brewery brewer, has been acclaimed as the IPA par excellence. However, this is more a myth than a reality. The Pale Ale was previously known and made long before Hodgson began to export it to India. It is true that he made this style a great success, but more than invent it, he seems to have helped popularize it.
A name that was late
Interestingly, the term ‘India Pale Ale’ did not appear until several decades after Hogdson initiated his activity in export. The first known record dates back to an ad in Liverpool Mercury in 1835, which suggests that the nickname arrived afterwards.
The true export routes
There is much talk that the IPA was created specifically for British troops in India, but this does not tell the whole story. Although the Pale Ales began to make their way to this country in the 18th century, they were not exactly the favorites of the soldiers, who preferred the robust Porter beers.
More hops? More alcohol? Not necessarily
Another myth that has run like gunpowder is that increasing hops and alcohol was the secret for beer to survive the long trip. However, the reality is more subtle: beers did not need to be more powerful to endure heat, and the first IPA had an average alcoholic content, not as high as it is believed.
Shipwrecks: Marine stories of the IPA
A legend argues that some IPA ships wreck on the Scottish coast, and thus beer became popular in the United Kingdom. However, this story lacks documentary support. The arrival of the Pale Ales in London occurred prosaically, long before the shipwreck myth was activated.
Demystifying Porter and Stout beers
It is surprising to know that Porter and Stout beers were exported in greater quantities to India than the IPA itself. The East India Company was not only interested in bitter beers, but also in the rich and dark porters, enjoyed by the British community based in India.
IPA American vs. British IPA: A necessary comparison
In the modern debate, the American IPA are under the scrutiny of being faithful to the British tradition. However, the hops used today in the United States were completely unknown to their British predecessors. The original beers were designed to mature and, although they were bitter, their aromatic profile was very different from the one we celebrated today.
Final reflections on the IPA
The history of the IPA is not just a data review; It is a journey between myths and truths. The next time you will raise an IPA, remember that you are not only enjoying a beer, but a narrative rich in nuances and evolutions.
