IPA — short for India Pale Ale — is more than just a style of beer. It’s a cultural phenomenon, a brewing movement, and, for many, the ultimate expression of hops in a glass. From traditional English IPAs to tropical Hazy IPAs and bone-dry West Coast styles, India Pale Ales have evolved into a diverse family of hop-forward beers beloved by millions worldwide.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about IPA beer: its history, variations, brewing techniques, and why MacLean’s Hazy IPA is a modern Canadian favourite.
What Is an IPA?
IPA stands for India Pale Ale. Originally developed in England in the 18th century, it was brewed with extra hops and higher alcohol to withstand the long journey to British troops in India. Today, IPA beer is known for its hop-forward flavour, floral and citrusy aromas, and bitter finish — though modern interpretations range from intensely dank to juicy and tropical.
IPAs have become the most popular craft beer style in North America. Their diversity, boldness, and range of flavour profiles make them a go-to choice for many beer lovers.
Notable traits of most IPAs:
- Bold hop character
- Higher alcohol by volume (ABV)
- Distinct aroma (pine, citrus, tropical, floral)
- Bitterness ranges from moderate to high
- Style variants: West Coast, Hazy, Double, Session, English
Whether you’re a seasoned beer drinker or just starting to explore craft beer, IPA beer offers a world of flavour to discover.
A Brief History of the India Pale Ale
The India Pale Ale has its roots in 18th-century England. British brewers added extra hops to their Pale Ales to preserve them on long voyages to colonial India. The hops acted as a natural preservative, and the resulting beer — stronger and more bitter — became popular among soldiers and civilians alike.
As refrigeration and shipping improved, the original purpose of IPA faded, and the style declined. But the name stuck. When American craft brewers revived traditional styles in the 1980s, they adopted the IPA and turned it into something new.
With bolder hop varieties like Cascade and Chinook, American IPAs became more aromatic and bitter. Breweries like Sierra Nevada and Anchor Brewing helped fuel the rebirth of the style. By the early 2000s, IPA had become the face of the craft beer movement in North America.
Anatomy of an IPA: What Defines the Style?
India Pale Ale beers vary widely, but they typically share these defining features:
- Hops: The heart of an IPA. Hops provide bitterness, aroma, and flavour — everything from citrus and pine to tropical fruit and dank herbal notes.
- Alcohol: IPAs usually range from 5.5% to 7.5% ABV. Double or Imperial IPAs can exceed 9%.
- Malt: While hops dominate, malt provides the body and sweetness to balance the bitterness.
- Yeast: Contributes subtle fruit esters and helps define haze or clarity.
- Water: Yes, even water matters — different mineral profiles can enhance hop expression.
The balance of these elements determines whether you’re drinking a crisp, bitter West Coast IPA or a smooth, hazy juice bomb.
Shop online for local delivery or find MacLean’s at your nearest LCBO, Beer Store, or Circle K using our MacLean’s Craft Beer Map.
IPA Styles Explained
English IPA
The original IPA style — more balanced, earthy, and malt-forward than its American descendants. English IPAs use classic hop varieties like Fuggle and East Kent Goldings, with a firmer malt backbone and moderate bitterness.
American IPA
What most people think of when they hear “IPA beer.” American IPAs are bold, hop-centric, and aromatic. Popular hops include Cascade, Centennial, and Simcoe. Expect citrus, pine, and grapefruit flavours with a dry, bitter finish.
Hazy IPA / New England IPA
The modern darling of craft beer. Hazy IPAs are soft, juicy, and low in bitterness. They’re brewed with late hop additions and dry hopping, often with oats or wheat for a creamy body. Think mango, passionfruit, and orange juice vibes.
MacLean’s Hazy IPA is a standout in this category — brewed with a generous dry hop, delivering tropical aromas, a full mouthfeel, and a finish that keeps you coming back.
West Coast IPA
Dry, bitter, and crystal clear — the West Coast IPA is a classic for hop purists. First popularized in California by breweries like Stone, Lagunitas, and Ballast Point, West Coast IPAs focus on clean fermentation, aggressive bitterness, and layered hop character.
Flavour profile:
- Pine, grapefruit, citrus zest
- Resinous and dank notes
- Clean malt base (often with caramel tones)
- High bitterness
Popular examples: Pliny the Elder (Russian River), Stone IPA, Sculpin IPA (Ballast Point)
While MacLean’s doesn’t currently brew a West Coast IPA, our Hazy IPA takes cues from the best of both worlds: aromatic intensity with a drinkable balance.
Double IPA (DIPA) / Imperial IPA
Higher alcohol (7.5%–9.5%+), bigger flavour, and often dry-hopped multiple times. These are bold, bitter, and intense — not for the faint of heart.
Session IPA
Lower ABV (3.5%–4.9%) but retains IPA hop character. Designed for all-day drinking.
Black IPA / Cascadian Dark Ale
Roasty, dark malts meet American hops. Complex and niche, but loved by many.
Fruited / Milkshake / Cold / Brut IPAs
Modern substyles exploring fruit infusions, lactose, champagne-like dryness, and beyond.
The Hazy IPA Revolution
The rise of the Hazy IPA, also known as New England IPA, changed how many people view hop-forward beers. Instead of being aggressively bitter, Hazy IPAs are soft, aromatic, and juicy.
This style emerged in the early 2010s from Vermont breweries like The Alchemist (Heady Topper) and Tree House Brewing. By focusing on dry hopping, late hop additions, and unfiltered presentation, they created beers with rich fruit flavours and a creamy mouthfeel.
MacLean’s Hazy IPA fits right into this lineage — brewed with modern hop techniques and a focus on drinkability. It’s hazy, smooth, and bursting with tropical fruit flavour, offering the hop experience without the harsh bite.
IPA vs Pale Ale: What’s the Difference?
Though they share a common ancestor, IPA and Pale Ale differ in several ways:
| Feature | Pale Ale | India Pale Ale (IPA) |
| ABV | 4.5%–5.5% | 5.5%–7.5%+ |
| Bitterness | Moderate | Higher |
| Hop Presence | Balanced with malt | Dominant |
| Flavour Profile | Biscuit, floral, mild citrus | Citrus, pine, tropical, bitter |
| Body | Medium, smooth | Crisp or full depending on style |
Pale Ales are more balanced and malt-forward. IPAs are louder, bolder, and more hop-centric.
Food Pairings for IPA Beer
India Pale Ale’s bold character pairs best with equally bold foods. Try these combinations:
- Spicy foods: Indian curries, Thai dishes, and Mexican tacos. Hops amplify spice and refresh the palate.
- Grilled meats: Steak, burgers, and BBQ ribs stand up to the bitterness.
- Sharp cheeses: Blue cheese, aged cheddar, and gorgonzola match the intensity.
- Sweet contrasts: IPAs pair surprisingly well with mango chutney, citrus desserts, or carrot cake.
MacLean’s Hazy IPA works particularly well with spice-forward dishes or tropical flavour profiles.
Best IPAs in Canada
Canada’s craft beer scene has fully embraced the IPA in all its forms. Some notable examples include:
- MacLean’s Hazy IPA (Ontario) – Smooth, tropical, and balanced. A modern hazy classic.
- Bellwoods Roman Candle (Toronto) – West Coast lean, bright and bitter.
- Collective Arts Ransack the Universe (Hamilton) – Juicy with a grapefruit and mango punch.
- Driftwood Fat Tug IPA (BC) – A benchmark West Coast IPA in Canada.
- 2 Crows Pollyanna (Nova Scotia) – Fruited hazy IPA with layers of flavour.
These beers showcase the versatility and excellence of Canadian brewers in the IPA space.
Brewing an IPA: Behind the Hops
What makes IPA beer so flavourful comes down to process and precision:
- Bittering hops: Added early in the boil for bitterness.
- Aroma/flavour hops: Added late in the boil or in whirlpool.
- Dry hopping: Post-fermentation addition for big aroma.
- Double dry hopping (DDH): Two rounds of dry hopping = double impact.
- Grain bill: Base malts with optional oats, wheat, or caramel malts.
- Yeast: Clean for West Coast IPAs, more expressive for hazy versions.
- Water chemistry: Key to mouthfeel and hop presentation (especially in Hazy IPAs).
Modern IPA brewing is a balance of science and art — and MacLean’s uses both to craft beers with character and quality.
IPA Culture and the Global Craze
IPA is more than a style — it’s a culture. Across the globe, breweries release special IPA drops, host hop-focused festivals, and collaborate on limited-edition releases.
IPAs have also influenced other beer styles: IPLs (India Pale Lagers), Cold IPAs, and hybrid styles continue to emerge. In some markets, IPAs make up over 40% of all craft beer sales.
Whether it’s a classic English IPA, a bracing West Coast, or a pillow-soft Hazy, IPA beer has become the symbol of craft innovation.
MacLean’s Hazy IPA: Bold, Balanced, and Brewed in Ontario
Crafted in Ontario with purpose and precision, MacLean’s Hazy IPA brings together everything you love about the modern IPA:
- Juicy tropical fruit aroma (pineapple, mango, citrus)
- Full, smooth mouthfeel from oats and wheat
- Soft bitterness and clean finish
- 6.3% ABV — satisfying without overwhelming
Whether you’re an IPA veteran or exploring hazy beers for the first time, MacLean’s Hazy IPA offers the best of both worlds: complexity and drinkability.
Find MacLean’s Hazy IPA at LCBO locations or order online here
Conclusion
From historic exports to India to hazy juice bombs brewed in Ontario, the India Pale Ale continues to evolve — and inspire. With endless hop varieties and brewing techniques, IPA beer offers something for every taste, from piney classics to juicy newcomers.
MacLean’s Hazy IPA honours this evolution with a modern Canadian interpretation: hazy, aromatic, and refreshingly bold.
Crack one open and taste why IPA still reigns supreme.
