Discover the Difference: Double IPA vs Triple IPA

As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.

Are you a craft beer enthusiast? Are you curious about double ipa vs triple ipa beers? . We’ll also discuss flavour, colour, ABV, IBU, and health effects of these two IPA styles. Finally, if you’re interested in trying either style, we’ll provide a list of popular brands. So get ready to find out more about double ipa vs triple ipa now.

Table of Contents:

Origins and History of Double IPA and Triple IPA

A California brewer invented “Imperial India Pale Ale” in the early 1990s. Craft beer fans loved it. Since then, double IPAs have become one of the most popular styles of craft beer available today.

Believed to have originated in Belgium during the late 1990s or early 2000s, Triple IPA has become more widely adopted since De Struise Brouwers brewed the first commercial example in 2002. The first recorded commercial example was brewed by De Struise Brouwers in 2002 and since then many other brewers have adopted this style and created their own versions.

Double IPAs are known for their intense hop aroma and flavor, while triple IPAs take things even further by using more hops than a regular double IPA would typically use. Over time, these beers have evolved into what we know them as today: intensely hoppy brews with high alcohol content (typically 8% ABV or higher). Triple IPAs offer a distinctive taste compared to other beers due to the increased hop usage, making them highly sought-after amongst craft beer enthusiasts.

From early experimentation to becoming a highly sought-after style, Double and Triple IPAs have evolved over time within the craft brewing culture. They offer something different for those who are looking for bold flavors with plenty of hop character, which has led to their continued success in recent years.

Key Takeaway: Double IPAs have been a popular craft beer style since the 1990s, while Triple IPAs are newer to the scene but no less impressive. Both styles boast intense hop aroma and flavor along with high alcohol content – making them stand out amongst other beers on the market.

Ingredients Used in Double IPA and Triple IPA Beers

When creating double and triple IPAs, the ingredients utilized are key in shaping the taste of each beer. Hops are one of the most important ingredients for both types of beers, as they contribute bitterness and aromas. American hops like Cascade, Centennial, and Columbus give double IPAs intense citrus and pine flavours. .

Malts

Malts are also essential for creating these beers since they provide sweetness that balances out some of the bitterness from hops. Double IPAs often contain pale malts like Pilsner or Vienna malt which give them a light golden color with biscuit-like flavors. Triple IPAs tend to be darker due to their higher alcohol content so roasted malts such as Munich or Caramunich may be added for additional complexity in flavor and aroma.

Yeast

Yeast is another key ingredient when making double IPA’s and triple IPA’s since it helps convert sugars into alcohol during fermentation process; ale yeasts like California Ale Yeast (WLP001) work well for both styles but lager yeast can also be used if desired. Water, too, is integral to beer-making; for a double IPA, soft water works best while hard waterwith its higher mineral contentgives extra heft and mouthfeel to a triple IPA.

Other Enhancers

Various enhancers, like purees of fruits, spices, honey or molasses can be employed to bring out the ideal flavor. These can help enhance existing flavors while adding unique characteristics that make your beer stand out from others on tap. Moreover, other flavorings such as oak chips or coffee beans may be incorporated if desired; yet, it is essential to not go overboard with them or else you will create an excessively bitter beer.

Having decided upon the components for a Double or Triple IPA, it’s time to proceed with fermentation and brewing. Grasping the technique used to make Double and Triple IPAs can assist connoisseurs of craft beer in understanding their flavorings better, thus allowing for a more distinct imbibing experience.

Key Takeaway: Double IPAs are brewed with American hops for intense citrus and pine flavors, while triple IPAs utilize European hops to provide earthy and herbal notes. Both styles use yeast and Pilsner or Vienna malt to balance hop bitterness. Adjuncts like fruit purees, spices or honey can be added depending on desired flavor profiles; however it’s important not to overdo them otherwise you’ll end up with a beer too bitter to drink.

Double IPA: Fermentation and Brewing

To create a double IPA, two types of yeast – an ale and lager – are used to ferment the beer in order to produce higher alcohol content and a fuller flavor than traditional single-yeast beers. This combination produces higher alcohol content and a fuller flavor than traditional single-yeast beers. It is also important to note that double IPAs require more hops than other styles, as they need to balance out the maltiness created by the high alcohol content. The fermenting cycle can take anywhere from one to four weeks, contingent upon temperature; though usually taking 1-3.

To achieve full attenuation (fermentation) when fermenting double IPAs, you must get your mash temperatures right and make sure there is enough sugar throughout the boil.

Due to their higher gravity, these beers should be mashed at lower temperatures than pale ales, but mashing below 152F/66C can produce harsh flavours in the finished beer.

Due to their high gravity, boil times should be longer (60 minutes minimum) to allow hop utilisation without over-extracting tannins that could affect taste and bitterness after fermentation.

Triple IPA: Double IPA: Fermentation and Brewing

Triple IPAs are brewed with ale, lager, and Brettanomyces yeasts, giving them a fruity flavour. Like double IPAs, triple IPA brewers add more hops to balance the malt sweetness from all three yeasts. Fermenting times vary depending on temperature but generally range from two to five weeks before bottling or kegging is complete.

Despite their complicated fermentation and brewing processes, understanding double and triple IPAs can help you choose one. Let’s compare these two beers’ flavour, colour, alcohol content, IBU levels, and health effects.

Key Takeaway: Double IPAs require the use of two yeasts, ale and lager, for a higher alcohol content with more hops added to balance out maltiness. Triple IPAs involve three yeast types – ale, lager and Brettanomyces strain – which results in a unique flavor profile. Both styles have higher gravity and different mash temperatures and boil times, but tannin extraction must be avoided.

Flavor Profile, Color, Alcohol Content, IBU, and Health Impact of Double IPAs and Triple IPAs

Double IPAs and triple IPAs are two of the most popular styles of craft beer. Both beers have distinct flavor profiles, colors, alcohol contents, International Bitterness Units (IBUs), and health impacts when consumed in moderation.

Flavor Profile of Double IPAs and Triple IPAs

Double IPAs have stronger hop notes and tropical fruit flavours like pineapple or mango than triple IPAs. Double IPAs typically have a strong hop presence with notes of citrus or tropical fruits like pineapple or mango. They tend to possess a higher alcohol content than other beer varieties, resulting in an additional kick on the tongue. Triple IPAs have strong hop flavours and aromas of pine, resin, and stone fruits like apricot and peach.

Color of Double IPAs and Triple IPAs

Depending on the malts used, double IPAs range from light amber to deep copper and triple IPAs from golden yellow to dark brown. The alcohol content for both styles is relatively high ranging from 8% – 10%. Due to their stronger hop character and higher gravity, triple IPAs can reach 80-100 IBUs, while double IPAs are usually 50-70.

Health Effects of Double and Tripple IPAs

Finally, hops compounds called polyphenols in both types of beer have antioxidant properties that improve cardiovascular health and lower cancer risk. Naturally, overindulging can cause side effects, so enjoy everything responsibly.

Double and triple IPAs have distinct flavours, colours, alcohol content, and IBU ratings that can harm your health if overconsumed. Hence, it is essential to recognize the distinctions between them before opting for a beer. Next we will discuss some popular brands of both types of IPA beers for you to try out.

Key Takeaway: When consumed in moderation, double and triple IPAs offer a variety of flavours, colours, alcohol content, IBUs, and health benefits. Both beers have bold citrusy and piney flavours and a higher ABV, which can give the palate a kick.

Popular Double and Triple IPA Brands to Try

Popular amongst craft beer enthusiasts, double and triple IPAs are highly sought after. For those wanting to sample these varieties, a variety of double and triple IPAs are available.

Popular Double

Lagunitas’ Maximus IPA and Firestone Walker’s Union Jack are two of the most renowned Double IPAs on the market. With an IBU rating between 70-80, Maximus IPA has a hoppy flavor profile with notes of citrus and pine while Union Jack boasts aromas like grapefruit zest, tangerine juice, pineapple slices, and light caramel malt sweetness for a balanced taste experience with its 65-70 IBU rating. Both beers offer a great drinking experience that will hit the spot.

For those who prefer Triple IPAs, Stone Brewing’s Ruination IPA should be at the top of their list. This 8.5% ABV brew has a high IBU rating of 100-110 and powerful hop tastes from Columbus and Centennial hops. Its scent includes grapefruit peel and tropical fruit notes like mangoes and passion fruit pulp. Russian River Pliny The Elder has an outstanding 8% ABV and an IBU level of 50-60. Each taste has traces of piney resins and citrus fruits like oranges or lemons.

These popular Double and Triple IPAs are malty, hoppy, sweet, bitter, fruity, or floral. So why not give them a try?

Key Takeaway: The hoppy, malty, sweet, and bitter double and triple IPAs are popular craft beers. Lagunitas Brewing Company’s Maximus IPA and Stone Brewery’s Ruination IPA provide something for everyone, so why not try them all?

FAQs in Relation to Double Ipa vs Triple Ipa

What’s the difference between double IPA and triple IPA?

India Pale Ales—double and triple IPAs—were first made in London for shipment to British territories in India. Double IPAs have an ABV (alcohol by volume) between 7-10%, whereas Triple IPAs can range from 8-12%. Additionally, Double IPAs tend to be more balanced and less intense than their higher ABV counterparts. Triple IPAs have a bigger body and sweeter finish because to the malt, but all have strong hop character with citrus or tropical fruit notes.

What makes a triple IPA a triple?

Triple IPAs are stronger India Pale Ales with more malt and hops. It usually contains more hops and malt, resulting in a fuller body and intense hop character. The high alcohol content gives it a stronger aroma and flavor profile than its single or double counterparts. Triple IPAs are often used to showcase the brewing skills of experienced brewers, as they require precision when crafting them due to their complex flavor profiles.

Is there such thing as a triple IPA?

Yes, there is such a thing as a triple IPA. A Triple India Pale Ale (IPA) is an intensely hopped version of the traditional India Pale Ale style. Its greater alcohol concentration and strong hop tastes are complemented by sweet malts. The high ABV makes it ideal for aging or cellaring to bring out complex flavor profiles over time.

What is the difference between IPA Dipa and TIPA?

IPA, first made in England for shipping to India, has a strong hop flavour and high alcohol level. It has a strong hop character and is usually high in alcohol content. Dipa (Double IPA) is an even stronger version of IPA, with more hops and higher alcohol content than regular IPAs. TIPA (Triple IPA) takes the strength up another notch, with even more hops and an even higher alcohol content than both IPAs and DIPAs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, double ipa vs triple ipa beers are two distinct beer styles with different origins and brewing processes. Triple IPAs have more hops and a stronger taste than double IPAs, which have more alcohol. Beer connoisseurs can savor the distinctive features and tastes of both double IPAs and triple IPAs. This article should help you grasp the differences between these two prominent IPA varieties and why they’re so popular worldwide.

Brew Publik offers expert guidance on double and triple IPAs, beer-making equipment, subscription services, and more. Our blog is packed with valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about your next brew!

Also See: Exploring the Differences Between Bock and Stout Beers