📚Reference
Style Index
Every IPA style in this knowledge base, each with a one-line descriptor. This index covers the 03_styles domain. For styles set side by side on shared metrics, see the IPA Style Comparison Table; for the full vault, see the Master Index.
Note
The IPA is a family, not a single recipe. For how these styles descend from one another, see the IPA Family Tree.
#Overview and Framework
| Note | Descriptor |
|---|---|
| IPA Styles | The complete map of the IPA family and how to navigate it. |
| IPA Style Comparison Table | All styles compared on ABV, IBU, color, clarity, and character. |
| BJCP and Style Guidelines | The formal competition framework that codifies these styles. |
#Core Styles
| Style | One-line descriptor |
|---|---|
| English IPA | The malt-balanced original — earthy, floral English hops over biscuity malt. |
| American IPA | The modern benchmark — citrus and pine hops over a clean, dry base. |
| West Coast IPA | Crystal-clear, assertively bitter, and bone-dry. |
| New England IPA | Soft, hazy, and juicy with low bitterness and big aroma. |
| Double IPA | High strength and high hop intensity — typically 7.5–10% ABV. |
| Triple IPA | The extreme end — 10%+ ABV with relentless hop saturation. |
| Session IPA | Full hop character at a low, sub-5% ABV. |
#Variant and Specialty Styles
| Style | One-line descriptor |
|---|---|
| Black IPA | Dark, roast-tinged malt paired with bold hop bitterness. |
| White IPA | An IPA crossed with witbier — wheat, spice, and citrus hops. |
| Belgian IPA | Expressive Belgian yeast esters layered onto a hoppy base. |
| Rye IPA | Spicy, peppery rye sharpening the malt backbone. |
| Red IPA | Caramel-rich amber malt balanced against American hops. |
| Brut IPA | Bone-dry and effervescent, made champagne-crisp with enzymes. |
| Milkshake IPA | Lactose, fruit, and vanilla for a creamy, dessert-like beer. |
| Cold IPA | Brewed with lager yeast and adjuncts for a crisp, clean finish. |
| Brett IPA | Wild Brettanomyces yeast adding funky, fruity complexity. |
| Sour IPA | Kettle-soured tartness combined with juicy hop aroma. |
| India Pale Lager | The lagered cousin — hop-forward but cold-fermented and crisp. |
| Specialty and Experimental IPAs | The fringe — pastry, brut-meets-hazy, and one-off experiments. |
#Continue Reading
- IPA Styles — the full style map
- IPA Style Comparison Table — styles compared on the numbers
- IPA Family Tree — how the styles are related
- Master Index — every note in the vault
- BJCP and Style Guidelines — the formal style definitions