Hop & Malt Adventures

A reward for all my hard work! Delicious craft beer! But wait, what exactly is an IPA?

I’m a big fan of beer.

At home, I find true happiness in the moments after work when I enjoy a 350ml can of beer while reading or browsing the internet.

On weekends, I sometimes treat myself to a leisurely beer as a reward after a day of training, especially trail running.

Today, I’d like to share some thoughts on a question that recently came to mind during one of these relaxing moments.

Please avoid strenuous exercise after drinking alcohol, as it may lead to accidents or health issues.

Remember to consume food and drink in moderation and strive for a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

The Moment I Fell in Love with Craft Beer

It All Started with a Burger

Maybe it’s true that beer lovers naturally attract other beer lovers. I’ve always enjoyed cycling and often participate in local road racing events. Through this hobby, I’ve had the chance to connect with a few local cycling teams.

One day, while out with some teammates, we stopped by a trendy burger joint. That’s where it happened—an unforgettable pairing of a stylish burger and a glass of craft beer.

The beer I happened to try that day? An IPA.

The burger was a masterpiece: a thick, juicy meat patty with a punch of black pepper, perfectly balanced by the tang of chili sauce and the creamy smoothness of avocado. It was the kind of burger that truly earns the name “burger.”

Of course, when you eat a burger, it’s all about the rhythm: bite, sip, bite, sip. Or, if you prefer, sip, bite, sip, bite. Either way, the flavors of the burger and beer alternate in perfect harmony.

And that IPA? Its bold hop aroma and subtle malty finish stood up beautifully to the strong flavors of the burger. It didn’t just complement the richness of the patty—it elevated it.

Naturally, the conversation flowed effortlessly.

What is IPA?

The Meaning of IPA

You’ve probably seen the term “IPA” written on craft beer labels, often as part of the name, like “○○○ IPA.” Curious about what it means, I decided to do a little research.

It turns out that IPA stands for India Pale Ale.

If you break it down literally, it means an ale-style beer that is pale in color, with a connection to India. But there’s so much more to discover about this iconic beer style!

~ What is India Pale Ale? ~

  • India: From India
  • Pale: Pale in color
  • Ale: An ale-style beer

So, Where Did IPA Really Come From?

With its strong hop aroma, it seems best to enjoy it in a stylish glass, like a wine glass.

With a name like “India Pale Ale,” you might assume it was first created in India. Surprisingly, its roots are actually in Britain.

The story goes back to the Age of Exploration, when India was a British colony. British brewers wanted to ship their beloved pale ale to the colonies, but there was one major challenge: how to preserve the beer during the long journey.

While the exact methods of transportation are not fully documented, it is known that the beer often spoiled before reaching its destination. To solve this problem, brewers added more hops (a natural preservative) and increased the alcohol content, which allowed the beer to remain fresh throughout the journey.

And just like that, a new beer style was born.

This is a simplified version of the history, but for me, it is enough to appreciate the origins of IPA.

My Thoughts on Trying IPA

After tasting IPA, I’ve come to a few conclusions:

  • Most IPAs seem to have a strong bitterness and a slightly higher alcohol content, giving them a “rich” flavor.
  • They are intensely hoppy, with aromas that stand up well to bold, spicy dishes.
  • For international IPAs, just one can is enough to feel fully satisfied.

That pretty much sums it up!

IPAs You Can Easily Find in Japan

In Japan, the number of craft breweries is steadily growing.

At the same time, many IPAs are sold at prices that reflect their rare and unique flavors, which might make some hesitate to purchase them.

On the other hand, there are IPAs available at supermarkets that are more accessible and affordable.

We hope these options provide visitors from abroad with a great introduction to Japanese beer and inspire them to explore the local craft beer scene.

“Indo no Aooni” (India Blue Demon)

The strong bitterness of hops and the wine-like hop aroma create a unique sensation. As the flavor moves to the back of the tongue, it surprisingly transforms into a mild sweetness, making it truly enjoyable.

Indo no Aooni + Gran Clubhouse

You might think, “McDonald’s, really?” But trust me, this pairing works unexpectedly well. The key is intentionally skipping the Big Mac—it’s all about choosing something different.

That said, I suspect the Big Mac would also pair nicely!

Summary

  • The combination of burgers and beer inspired me to learn more about IPA.
  • IPA stands for India Pale Ale, and its origins trace back to Britain.
  • It was first brewed with higher hop content (a natural preservative) and increased alcohol levels to withstand long transportation times.
  • With its strong bitterness and bold alcohol content, just one can is enough to fully enjoy it.
  • Surprisingly, it pairs well with McDonald’s burgers too!

“Cheers to discovering new flavors and perfect pairings—may your next beer be as memorable as your first IPA!”

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