Lupilin is one of the principal ingredients of hops, and the vine itself is a distant relative of the cannabis plant. It is no surprise then that lupilin has a mild sedative-like effect on the central nervous system, and is often used us a natural remedy for sleep disorders. Reportedly one interesting side effect is that it increases vivid dream activity. Could lupilin be responsible for the hordes of passionate hopheads that seek ever-higher levels of hops in their IPAs? Is that perhaps why the conversations around a pint of IPA more often than not burst with creativity? That is for you to decide.
We urge you to see if you are a hophead (you either are or are not) by seeking out some local examples in your area. Stay original… be creative.
Article comments
1 - T. Michael Testi
Yea for IPA! The best I ever tasted was from a little brewery in an Atlanta suburb (I don't remember the name of the pub) called Seven Sisters IPA. The best commercial is Thunderhead from Pyramid Brewery.
-- T.
2 - Bill Soukoreff
Have not had the pleasure to try Thunderhead. Being awhile since I've been to the states, but I have toured their brewery many times in the 1990's. The best I have had recently is Maximus by the Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma, California. 72 IBUS of hop pleasure! It almost borders on a Barley Wine at 7.5%. The problem in Canada is getting these great beers. Tree Brewing Company out of Kelowna, B.C. makes the best one in Western Canada. Long live IPA!
3 - Mark Saleski
hopheads unite!
favorite hoppy beer: Hazed and Infused.
4 - Mohjho
Hi Bill
I live a few blocks from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
They make a fine pale ale, but is India Pale Ale different than just Pale Ale?
So many micro brews, so little time.
5 - Bill Soukoreff
Mohjho: Wow, you live next to one of Americas greatest breweries! To answer your question, no it is not an IPA. It IS a very hoppy Pale Ale with 37 IBU's of Hops. Sierra does make a IPA, but only in draft form. A IPA has to be higher in alcohol and have much higher IBU's. (International Bittering Units - which comes from hops.)
American-Style India pale ales are noted by their intense hop bitterness and high alcohol content and usually but not always with lots of aroma and flavor hops. (Which Sierra Nevada Pale Ale does have by the way.) Basically it is a Pale Ale that just has more of everything. More hops, more malt, Higher alcohol. If you like Sierra Pale, then you will love IPAs.
The world Beer Cup states that alcohol by volume should be between 5-7.5% and Bitterness (IBU) be between 40-65. However, I feel 6-8% by volume and 50 to 100 is more correct. Can you find Lagunitas Maximus in your area? It is pushing the higher end of the style, almost bordering a Barley Wine. It has awesome fruity esters from the high alcohol. Or ask Sierra where you can find their draft IPA. I am sure it would be great as all their products are.
6 - Mohjho
Thanks Bill for the info.
Ill check out the Lagunitas Maximus. Here in Chico beer is kind of a local obsession, so I should be able to find it.