Despite a seeming proliferation of hop haters, IPAs are consistently the top-selling craft beer style in the U.S. An India Pale Ale is generally brewed with pale malts and has a strong hop presence. A few years ago, Schlafly decided to showcase the different IPA styles in a series of special release beers, beginning with its AIPA. This year’s version has recently hit shelves in all its hoppy glory.
American IPAs are generally drier and are brewed with more intense, American-grown hops that offer more floral, piney, citrus-y or tropical characteristics than their English-style counterparts. Schlafly AIPA fits the bill with a bombardment of Amarillo, Centennial and Simcoe hops from the Pacific Northwest that give pleasant citrus bitterness, while its grapefruit aroma is reminiscent of many West Coast IPAs. Though hop-forward, the malt bill stands up nicely to balance out the bitterness, making it a perfect pairing for a spicy curry or a juicy burger.
When Schlafly first introduced AIPA, it was draft only. After the masses clamored for more, it was bottled in limited supply. Thankfully today, Schlafly AIPA is pretty easy to find on draft and in bottles at better beer stores, grocery stores and beer bars until August. Get out and see what all of the hoppy buzz is about.
This article appears in Guide to Beer 2015.