Cold IPA is a new twist on the classic IPA. It’s refreshing, crisp, and offers a smooth, hop-forward experience without the intense bitterness of a standard IPA.
But what exactly makes a Cold IPA stand out from the rest? Let’s break it down.
The Chilled Origins of Cold IPA
The Cold IPA is relatively new in the craft beer world, but it all started when brewers experimented with cold fermentation methods in an effort to bring out a beer’s hop character without all of the bitterness.
Cold fermentation is when yeast can ferment at lower temperatures than usual, which essentially smooths out some of the bitter edges and leaves you with a beer that’s lighter on the taste buds yet still packed with flavor.
How to Brew a Cold IPA
To create a great Cold IPA, brewers focus on both the hops and the fermentation temperature. The use of cold fermentation helps retain the subtle fruity and floral notes from the hops while keeping the body of the beer light and crisp.
This style typically uses lager or hybrid yeasts that thrive in colder fermentation temperatures, resulting in a cleaner, crisper finish compared to traditional IPAs. While standard IPAs often feature a fuller body, Cold IPAs are designed to be lighter and less intense.
The hops used in Cold IPAs typically favor hops that contribute tropical fruit aromas—like citrus, mango, or pineapple as opposed to bold, piney, and resinous hops.
Style Profile and Characteristics
Cold IPAs fall into a bit of a hybrid category. They bring together the bitterness and hop-forward aroma of an IPA but with the clean, crisp finish of a lager.
Here’s what you can expect from a Cold IPA:
- Appearance: A pale, slightly hazy beer, with a golden to light amber hue.
- Aroma: Bright, fresh hop aromas dominate—think citrus, pine, tropical fruit, and sometimes floral notes.
- Flavor: The beer is crisp, refreshing, and hoppy with a mild bitterness. The finish is clean and dry.
- Mouthfeel: Light-bodied with moderate carbonation. It’s not as heavy as a typical IPA, which makes it easy to drink.
- ABV: Alcohol by volume is typically moderate – between 5% and 7%, so it’s balanced but not too strong.
Pairing Pro Tips
Because of its balanced hop flavor and clean finish, the Cold IPA is super versatile when it comes to food pairings.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Grilled seafood: The crispness of the beer and the light body make it a perfect match for grilled shrimp, fish tacos or a whole seafood platter.
- Spicy dishes: Cold IPAs can help cool off the heat from spicy foods like Buffalo wings, Thai curry or spicy barbecue.
- Cheeses: Pair this beer with cheeses that aren’t too heavy. Mild Cheddar, goat cheese, or even a nice Brie will work well with the light hop bitterness.
- Tacos: Whether it’s fish tacos, carnitas, or veggie tacos, the Cold IPA’s crispness will cut through the richness and refresh your palate with each bite.
Cheers!