American-Style Imperial or Double India Pale Ale – North American Origin Ale Styles

American-Style Imperial or Double India Pale Ale Style

  • Color: Straw to medium amber
  • Clarity: Chill haze is acceptable at low temperatures. Haze created by dry hopping is allowable at any temperature.
  • Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Low to medium pale malt character is typical. Low pale caramel malt character may be present.
  • Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Hop aroma and flavor is very high. Hop character should be fresh and evident, derived from any variety of hops. Hop flavor should not be harsh.
  • Perceived Bitterness: Very high but not harsh
  • Fermentation Characteristics: Alcohol content is medium-high to high and evident. Fruity esters are medium to high. Diacetyl should not be present.
  • Body: Medium to full
  • Additional notes: This style of beer should exhibit the fresh character of hops. Oxidized or aged character should not be present. Versions of this style brewed with darker malts, non-traditional ale yeasts, fruits, spices or other flavorings are categorized as Experimental India Pale Ales.

American-Style Imperial or Double India Pale Ale Vital Statistics

  • Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.070-1.100 (17.1-23.7 °Plato)
  • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.012-1.020 (3.1-5.1 °Plato)
  • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 6.0%-8.4% (7.6%-10.6%)
  • Bitterness (IBU) 65-100
  • Color SRM (EBC) 2-9(4-18 EBC)

2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines used with permission of Brewers Association.

Credit: 2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines – Ale Styles – North American Origin Ale Styles – American-Style Imperial or Double India Pale Ale