BJCP 2021 / 12C
English IPA
A hoppy British ale with earthy hop and a malty backbone, balanced and bitter.
- Drink fresh
- high strength
- pale color
- top fermented
- british isles
Serve: 48 to 54F, Nonic pint or tulip
OG1.120
1.050 to 1.070FG1.030
1.010 to 1.015IBU120
40 to 60SRM40
6 to 14ABV14%
5.0 to 7.5%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Earthy, floral, marmalade or herbal English hop
- Bready and biscuit malt
- Fruity esters
- Vague
- Hoppy
- Better
- Earthy hop and biscuit malt
- Best
- Moderate-high earthy, floral and marmalade hop over biscuit and bread malt, low fruity ester
Appearance
3 pts- Gold to deep amber
- Bright
- White to off-white head
- Vague
- Gold
- Better
- Amber and bright
- Best
- Deep gold to amber, bright, white head of good retention
Flavor
20 pts- Biscuit and light caramel malt
- Earthy and floral hop with a mineral edge
- Firm, dry bitterness
- Vague
- Hoppy
- Better
- Malt base with earthy hop
- Best
- Moderate biscuit and light caramel malt, moderate-high earthy and floral hop, firm bitterness, dry finish with some mineral snap
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Medium-light to medium body
- Medium carbonation
- Smooth
- Vague
- Smooth
- Better
- Medium body, smooth
- Best
- Medium-light to medium body, smooth, medium carbonation, no astringency
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Hop and malt in balance
- Minerally dry finish
Drops it
- Citrusy American hop
- Sweetness
Writing tip
Say whether hops are earthy or citrusy. Example: 'Earthy marmalade hop over biscuit malt with a dry, mineral finish. Classic English profile.'
Pour these
- Bengal LancerFuller'sFloral and earthy, balanced
- India Pale AleMeantime BrewingBiscuit malt and earthy hop
- IPAGoose IslandA US reading of English IPA
Often confused with
- 21A American IPAAmerican IPA has citrus and pine hops and a cleaner yeast
- 11C Strong BitterStrong Bitter is maltier and less bitter
Fine here
- Estery: Fruit complements the hop
Ruinous here
- Astringent: Harsh hop or tannin grip
- Oxidized: Dulls the hop
- Diacetyl: Butter
Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.