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detlef, on 20 April 2012 - 07:34 AM, said:
We'll have to agree to disagree.
Given 1) the amount of variation from one IPA to the next, 2) the relatively low gravity, and thus increased perceptive level of bitterness compared to something with the same IBUs but more sugars , and 3) the fact that citra hops are so flamboyant, so you're going to get so much hoppy flavors even if the beer isn't super bitter, were someone to simply give me a glass of that beer and say it was an IPA, even an American IPA, I wouldn't doubt them for a second nor be remotely disappointed with it.
Given 1) the amount of variation from one IPA to the next, 2) the relatively low gravity, and thus increased perceptive level of bitterness compared to something with the same IBUs but more sugars , and 3) the fact that citra hops are so flamboyant, so you're going to get so much hoppy flavors even if the beer isn't super bitter, were someone to simply give me a glass of that beer and say it was an IPA, even an American IPA, I wouldn't doubt them for a second nor be remotely disappointed with it.
I think I could tell it wasn't an IPA if it were given to me but obviously I can't really test that. I think the lower gravity would be the main tell after all an IPA is just a pale ale with more malt and more hops. Perceived bitterness can be much higher in an pale ale than an IPA even with lower IBUs. But, like I said if you told me you had a great pale ale that's pretty hoppy I would gladly try it. I like tasting new delicious beers regardless of style. I finally snagged a six pack of Headwater bottles and they are very good as well but the draft is much better.
My go to bottled IPA that I freaking love is Bell's Two Hearted. It's in pretty high demand so it isn't always on the shelves which means it's pretty fresh when you do find it which is very important for an IPA.
