BJCP 21B · IPA
Belgian IPA
An IPA fermented with Belgian yeast: intense hops and high bitterness with fruity esters and spicy phenols, a light body and a very dry finish.
Belgian IPA by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 6.2 – 9.5%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 50 – 100 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 5 – 15 SRM10–30 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.058 – 1.080on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.008 – 1.016on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Belgian IPA is like
An IPA with the fruit and spice of a Belgian yeast, drier and often stronger than an American IPA. Hops and yeast have to coexist, with neither one covering up the other.
Appearance
Gold to amber, clear to slightly hazy. Dense, persistent white head, typical of Belgian ales.
Aroma
Moderate to high hops, which can be American, European or New World, alongside fruity esters and spicy phenols from the yeast. The malt stays in the background, at most a little bready or grainy.
Flavor
Medium-high to very high hop flavor and bitterness, combined with fruit and spice from the yeast. The malt takes a back seat and the finish is dry, with lingering bitterness.
Mouthfeel
Light to medium body, medium to high carbonation and some alcohol warmth in the stronger versions.
Where Belgian IPA comes from
It appeared in the mid-2000s, when Belgian breweries, influenced by American IPAs, started hopping their ales more aggressively, and American brewers did the opposite by using Belgian yeasts.
Ingredients
Belgian pilsner or pale malt, sometimes with sugar to dry out the finish. American, noble or New World hops and a fruity, spicy Belgian ale yeast.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Belgian IPA at home
Use 5–10% sugar and mash low, around 64–65 °C (147–149 °F), so it finishes dry. Start fermentation around 18–19 °C (64–66 °F) and let it rise a few degrees toward the end so the yeast finishes cleanly without throwing fusel alcohols. Be careful combining very tropical hops with very spicy yeasts: they can clash.
Food pairing
Goes well with mussels, chicken curry or mild washed-rind cheeses.
Glassware: tulip glass, it concentrates the aroma and holds the head.
Classic examples
- Houblon Chouffe
- Urthel Hop-It
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Belgian IPA?
Between 6.2% and 9.5% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a high strength.
How bitter is Belgian IPA?
It has 50 to 100 IBUs, a very high bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Belgian IPA?
Gold to light brown: 5 to 15 SRM (10 to 30 EBC).
What food pairs well with Belgian IPA?
Goes well with mussels, chicken curry or mild washed-rind cheeses.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Belgian Golden Strong Ale, Belgian Tripel and American IPA.
If you like Belgian IPA, try these
Classification and statistics: official Belgian IPA guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.