IPA vs. APA: What’s the Difference?

If the IPA is a pale ale originally brewed to be shipped to overseas England, the APA is a modern American craft adaptation of the English pale ale, reflecting local ingredients. Today, both have become international styles, with new variations emerging in countries with growing beer markets.

History

DID YOU KNOW…

the first brewery in India was established in the early 19th century at the foothills of the Himalayas? It produced an IPA called Lion, which remained in production until the 1960s.

Ingredients

The main difference between APA and IPA lies in the hops used. A good APA balances malt and hops, with hops that are more pungent, citrusy, and floral than their British counterparts.

In a classic English IPA, traditional British hops are used—especially toward the end of the brewing process—producing a bitterness that dominates over the malt.

What about an IPA brewed with American hops? The distinction from an APA becomes less clear and depends more on intensity. Typically, an APA maintains a more balanced profile between malt and hops, while an IPA emphasizes the hop character.

Appearance

An APA is generally paler and has fewer byproducts from fermentation than an IPA.

Aroma and Flavor

An IPA usually features moderate to intense aromas and flavors of floral, spicy, or citrusy hops. APAs also highlight hops, but the range is broader, often using American or “New World” hops that bring citrus, floral, pine, resinous, spicy, tropical fruit, berries, plum, peach, cherry, mango, or melon notes. Both styles can have grassy hints if dry-hopped.

Both IPA and APA have low to moderate malt aroma and flavor, which can be roasted or caramelized. In APAs, the malt can also carry a distinctive biscuity or bready character.

Alcohol Content

The alcohol volume varies depending on the specific style. Over time, the traditional IPA has inspired a wide range of beers now considered distinct styles.

The Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) categorizes APAs and IPAs separately:

American Pale Ale falls under the Pale American Ale group (alongside Blonde Ale).

Specialty IPAs and American IPAs are included in the IPA category, which covers modern American IPAs.

English IPA appears in a different category, alongside beers from Commonwealth countries.