When it comes to brewing your own beer at home, there’s a whole world of styles and flavors to explore. If you’re a fan of hoppy beers, you’ve probably tried your hand at brewing an India Pale Ale (IPA). But with so many variations of IPAs out there, it can be hard to decide which one to brew next. In this article, we’ll compare two popular styles of IPAs: the West Coast IPA and the American IPA.
The main difference between a West Coast IPA and an American IPA is that the former tends to be more bitter, resinous, and piney, while the latter is typically more balanced, with a focus on fruity and citrus hop flavors. But there’s more to these two styles than just their flavor profiles, so let’s dive in and explore some of the key characteristics and brewing considerations for each.
West Coast IPA: The Bitter Hop Bomb
The West Coast IPA is a style that originated in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, particularly in California, Oregon, and Washington. This style is known for its aggressive hop bitterness, high alcohol content, and bold flavors. These beers often showcase American hop varieties, such as Cascade, Centennial, and Chinook, which provide intense flavors of pine, resin, and grapefruit.
Recipe Considerations for West Coast IPAs
When brewing a West Coast IPA, you’ll want to focus on creating a balanced malt backbone that can support the intense hop flavors. This typically involves using a base malt like 2-row pale malt, along with some specialty grains, such as caramel and Munich malts, to add depth and complexity.
To achieve the signature bitterness of a West Coast IPA, you’ll need to use a substantial amount of hops in the boil. Aim for a high International Bitterness Units (IBU) level, typically between 60 and 100. You’ll also want to add hops at various stages of the boil to deliver both bitterness and flavor. Late hopping and dry hopping are common techniques used to maximize hop aroma and flavor.
Yeast Selection for West Coast IPAs
The yeast strain you select for your West Coast IPA can have a significant impact on the final beer’s flavor profile. Choose a clean-fermenting American ale yeast strain that will allow the hop flavors to shine through without contributing too much fruity esters. Popular choices include Wyeast 1056 American Ale, White Labs WLP001 California Ale, and Safale US-05.
American IPA: The Fruity, Balanced Cousin
The American IPA is a more approachable and balanced version of the IPA style. While it still boasts plenty of hop flavor and aroma, it tends to be less bitter and more focused on fruity and citrus hop notes. This style is also more likely to incorporate newer hop varieties, such as Citra, Mosaic, and Amarillo, which can bring flavors of tropical fruit, stone fruit, and citrus zest.
Recipe Considerations for American IPAs
Brewing an American IPA involves many of the same considerations as brewing a West Coast IPA, with a few key differences. You’ll still want to use a solid malt backbone to support the hops, but you may opt for a slightly lower alcohol content and a more moderate IBU level, typically between 40 and 70.
For an American IPA, focus on using hops that deliver fruity and citrus flavors. You can experiment with newer hop varieties like Galaxy, El Dorado, and Azacca, in addition to the classics like Cascade and Centennial. As with West Coast IPAs, late hopping and dry hopping are essential for maximizing hop aroma and flavor.
Yeast Selection for American IPAs
The choice of yeast strain for an American IPA is similar to that of a West Coast IPA, as you’ll want a clean-fermenting strain that allows the hop flavors to take center stage. However, you may also consider using a yeast strain that contributes some fruity esters to complement the fruity hop flavors. Popular choices include Wyeast 1272 American Ale II, White Labs WLP051 California Ale V, and Safale US-05.
Conclusion: Which IPA Style Should You Brew?
Both West Coast IPAs and American IPAs can make for a delicious and satisfying homebrew, but your personal preferences and brewing goals will ultimately determine which style is best for you. Here are 10 key facts to help you decide:
1. West Coast IPAs tend to be more bitter, resinous, and piney, while American IPAs are often more balanced, with a focus on fruity and citrus hop flavors.
2. The West Coast IPA originated in the Pacific Northwest, while the American IPA is a more general style that encompasses a broad range of hop flavors.
3. West Coast IPAs typically have a higher alcohol content and IBU level than American IPAs.
4. Both styles use a solid malt backbone to support the hops, but West Coast IPAs may have a more complex malt profile.
5. West Coast IPAs often showcase classic American hop varieties, while American IPAs may incorporate newer hop varieties with fruity and citrus flavors.
6. Late hopping and dry hopping are essential techniques for maximizing hop aroma and flavor in both styles.
7. A clean-fermenting American ale yeast strain is a popular choice for both West Coast IPAs and American IPAs.
8. Some American IPAs may use a yeast strain that contributes fruity esters to complement the hop flavors.
9. Experimentation with different hop varieties, malt combinations, and yeast strains can help you create a unique and personalized IPA.
10. Ultimately, the choice between a West Coast IPA and an American IPA comes down to your personal preferences and brewing goals.
Happy brewing!
FAQs
Is an American IPA the same as a West Coast IPA?
No, an American IPA can be brewed anywhere in the United States and may not necessarily be a West Coast style IPA, which is characterized by its strong hoppy flavor and aroma, high bitterness, and dry finish.
What is the difference between American IPA and West Coast IPA?
West Coast IPA is a sub-style of American IPA that is known for its intense hop flavor and aroma, with a focus on citrus and pine notes. It typically has a lighter malt profile and a drier finish than traditional American IPA, allowing the hops to shine through.
What makes an IPA an American IPA?
An American IPA is characterized by its intense hop flavor and aroma, often with citrus, pine, and resinous notes, as well as a higher alcohol content and a drier finish compared to traditional English IPAs.
What is the difference between a West Coast IPA and a British IPA?
The main difference between a West Coast IPA and a British IPA is the hop profile. West Coast IPAs tend to have a more intense and citrusy hop flavor, while British IPAs have a more herbal and earthy hop flavor. Additionally, West Coast IPAs often have a higher alcohol content and a lighter malt profile compared to British IPAs.
What is a British style IPA?
A British style IPA is a type of India Pale Ale that is brewed with English hops, which tend to be more subtle and earthy than their American counterparts, and a maltier backbone. They typically have a lower ABV than American IPAs and a more balanced bitterness.
What makes an IPA a West Coast IPA?
A West Coast IPA is characterized by its high hop bitterness, prominent hop flavors and aromas, and a dry finish. It typically has a lower malt profile and a lighter body compared to other IPAs.
