India Pale Ale 

India Pale Ale is a distinct style of beer and is characterized as a sparkling pale ale with a slightly higher level of alcohol and hops than a typical Pale Ale; the hops lending it a distinct bitterness.

The creation of India Pale Ale during the 18th century was the result of tremendous, efforts by British brewers to overcome a difficult problem: shipping to the British colony of India resulted in the arrival of flat, sour beer. Before refrigeration and pasteurization, the brewer's only weapons against spoilage were alcohol and hops. Alcohol and hops provide an unfriendly environment for microbes, preventing the growth of the bacteria that cause sourness. Therefore, high alcohol content and high hopping rates could protect beer from the souring associated with long storage times.

"Barkeep, I'll take a pint of your best India Pale Ale."

India Pale Ale by Mistr_Sir January 19, 2008

India pale ale 

imagine a good beer. now imagine a field of hops in the beer. bitter and disgusting beer only drank by snobs who think they are better than you.

see beer snob

"ew you drink lager?"

"yeah I like Sam Adams deal with it"

"I'm ginna drink my 7% ABV india pale ale that is brewed in Vermont and boasts an entire Forrest of hops in it"

India pale ale by drknife March 25, 2013

India Pale Ale 

A delightful variety of beer, characterized by a distinct hoppiness and generally high alcohol content. The origins of IPA are from back when England had colonized India; the pale ales they were sending to the colonists in India often could not make the long journey and would arrive undrinkable. By adding a large amount of hops and increasing the alcohol content, the beer was able to survive the journey. AND IT'S DELICIOUS...nomnomnom

"Hey, while you're up, wanna grab me a beer?"

"Sure, what kind?"

"India Pale Ale! What are you, stupid?"

India Pale Ale by MikeLe! December 1, 2009