- News
- /
What is a Cold IPA?
One of the most exciting new beer styles to emerge in the craft beer world in recent years is perhaps the Cold IPA. But what exactly is a Cold IPA, what makes it so special, and how does it taste? In this blog, we'll tell you all about it!
What is a Cold IPA?
You might think it's about the temperature at which you should enjoy this beer. And while almost any IPA is best drunk cold, that's not what it's about. However, temperature does play an important role – but we'll get back to that later.
A Cold IPA is stylistically somewhere between a 'standard' IPA and a lager. It is an IPA that is brewed to be as drinkable as possible. Very hoppy and yet crisp and 'clean'. We achieve this with the malt, bitterness, and yeast. Want to know more about yeast? Read our other blog here!
What is the difference between a Cold IPA and a 'normal' IPA?
Fermentation temperature
A major difference lies in the fermentation temperature. Where traditional IPAs prefer warm fermentation, a Cold IPA prefers it cool. Sometimes a Cold IPA is even fermented with a lager yeast, which results in a crisper and more refined character. You can also brew a Cold IPA with an ale yeast – but then you also keep it cold.
Malt profile
Cold IPAs have a simple malt profile. The base is Pilsner malt, and to make the body dry and light, we add corn, sugar or even rice. Heavy malts, such as caramel malt, are deliberately avoided to keep the beer crisp and clear.
Where does the Cold IPA come from?
Like many good beer ideas, the Cold IPA originated in the US, specifically in Portland, Oregon. There, brewers decided to combine a hoppy beer with the crisp character of a lager. Thus, the Cold IPA was born.
Although the idea sounds new, the use of lager yeast for other beer styles is not unique. But the specific combination of lager yeast, cold fermentation, a significant dose of hops, and the alcohol content of the original style, makes this style truly special.
What do you eat with a Cold IPA?
IPAs and lagers are great beer styles to combine with food, and the Cold IPA is actually the best of both worlds. For example, consider spicy curries or spicy wings: the bitterness in the beer cuts nicely through the spiciness and enhances the savory flavors, delicious.
A grilled chicken, fish, or a juicy burger also goes well with a Cold IPA. Fancy a cheese board? Combine the beer with light cheeses such as young goat cheese or a fresh brie. In short: plenty of options!
Cold IPA: the future?
Although the Cold IPA is still an emerging style, it is rapidly gaining popularity. Breweries worldwide are experimenting with it – and so are we! The first beer in our new Stereo Series is a Cold IPA: I Wanna Rock.
With the raw energy of a rock concert, this beer offers powerful hop notes and a crisp finish as an encore. Try it now and be blown away by the unique taste of this Cold IPA!
