Exploring Modern Craft IPA: A Cornish Craft Beer Adventure
In the colourful tapestry of Cornish craft beer, one style reigns supreme: the India Pale Ale (IPA). Steeped in tradition yet brimming with innovation, modern craft IPAs showcase the best of a craft brewer's brewing prowess. But what exactly sets these beers apart? We've been talking with St Ives Brewery head brewer Callum to go through the key elements of a modern craft IPA, from their hazy appearance to their bold flavours and everything in between.
1. Hazy Mystique:
Once considered a flaw, haze has become a hallmark of modern craft IPAs, drawing beer aficionados like moths to a flame. But why the shift in perception? The haze in these beers is not a sign of impurity but rather a testament to their rich flavour and aroma. Haze results from suspended particles like hop oils, yeast, and proteins, which lend a velvety mouthfeel and amplify the beer's sensory experience. In Cornwall's craft beer scene, breweries embrace the haze, crafting IPAs that are as mesmerizing to behold as they are delightful to drink. At St Ives Brewery the likes of Slipway IPA, Mean As and Destination DIPA are all on the hazy IPA side of things. Bold in flavour and packing some real impact - they are firm favourites online, in the taproom and with our trade customers - we have hazy Cornish IPA for every taste.
2. Bold Flavours, Bold Spirits:
When it comes to flavour, modern craft IPAs leave no stone unturned. Bursting with tropical fruits, zesty citrus, and resinous pine, these brews tantalize the taste buds with each sip. But why such audacious flavour profiles? The modern craft beer fan is, on the whole, one who appreciates the process and science behind each beer. They don't necessarily want to drink a huge volume of typical beer, they want to savour the taste of something different. Craft IPAs and hazy beers give brewers the chance to be bold and innovative with flavours. Our Cornish IPAs are bursting with flavour, using high end hop selection and methodologies to get the most taste possible from each beer.
3. The Rise of Double IPAs:
Double IPAs, or DIPAs, are a truly modern approach to hop use and brewing. With their amplified hop presence and elevated alcohol content, these beers pack a punch that's not for the faint of heart. But what drives brewers to create such potent brews? Double IPAs offer a canvas for experimentation, allowing brewers to showcase the full spectrum of hop flavours and aromas in all their glory. In Cornwall, breweries like St Ives Brewery push the boundaries of what's possible with DIPAs, crafting beers that defy expectations and leave an indelible mark on the palate. Destination DIPA is the current stable Cornish DIPA in our craft 440ml line up. It features a unique blend of Galaxy, Citra, Amarillo, and HBC 630 hops, delivering a complex aroma and fruity, bitter explosion with a long-lasting citrus finish. The biggest and baddest Cornish craft beer out there.
4. The Strength of Character:
Strength isn't just a physical attribute—it's a defining characteristic of many modern craft IPAs. With ABV levels ranging from sessionable to staggering, these beers command attention and demand respect. But why create Cornish craft beer and IPAs with such high alcohol content? For some, it's about achieving balance—a delicate interplay between malt sweetness and hop bitterness that culminates in a harmonious drinking experience. For others, it's a statement of intent—a declaration that this beer is not to be taken lightly. Whatever the reason, strong IPAs hold a special place in many craft breweries stables, it's no different for us. It's not just our Cornish double IPA that harbours extra strength, you'll find higher ABVs in the likes of our new Black IPA Black and Motueke too - rolling in at 6.5%. We take pride in creating strong Cornish beer that isn't just strong, it is also tasty and drinkable.
In the ever-evolving world of craft beer, modern IPAs stand as a testament to the progress of modern brewing. From their hazy allure to their bold flavours and formidable strength, these beers capture the essence of innovation and exploration in every drop. Cheers to that.
