White IPA

Recipes:
728
BJCP 2021:
21B
Era:
Craft
Origin:
North America
Fermentation:
Top
Color:
Pale
Strength:
High
Taste:
Bitter

Profile

White IPA, a relatively recent innovation in the beer world, represents a fusion between Belgian Witbier and American IPA. This hybrid style combines the spicy and fruity yeast character of the Witbier with the hop intensity of an American IPA. It is typically brewed with wheat and often includes spices such as coriander and orange peel, staples of traditional Belgian Witbiers.

White IPAs are often pale to light gold and can exhibit some haziness due to the use of wheat or oats and sometimes from yeast left in suspension. This haze should not be as opaque as what one might find in a New England IPA but more akin to that of a witbier. The frothy head is white to off-white, thanks to the proteins from the wheat which aid in retention. Flavor and aroma profiles in White IPAs showcase a balance between the citrusy, floral, and sometimes piney notes derived from American hops along with tropical fruit esters from Belgian yeast strains. These aromatics blend with subtle spice notes and a mild herbal quality contributed by added ingredients like coriander or other spices. On tasting, there's usually a refreshing citrus character complemented by a soft malt backbone offering hints of bread or dough. Bitterness is pronounced yet balanced against these elements so as not to overwhelm the delicate interplay between yeast character and spicing. The finish tends toward dry, encouraging another sip. Overall, this style provides an interesting interplay between styles that can appeal to fans of both IPAs for their hoppiness and witbiers for their unique spice profile.

Specifications

Alcohol

Specification
5.5 – 7.0 %

In Database
5.1 < 6.3 < 7.6 %

Bitterness

Specification
40 – 70 IBU

In Database
29 < 51 < 78 IBU

Color

Specification
10 – 12 EBC
5 – 6 SRM

In Database
9 < 10 < 13 EBC
5 < 5 < 7 SRM

Original Extract

Specification
13.7 – 15.8 °P
1.056 – 1.065 OG

In Database
11.9 < 14.8 < 17.5 °P
1.048 < 1.060 < 1.072 OG

Final Gravity

Specification
2.6 – 4.1 °P
1.010 – 1.016 FG

In Database
1.8 < 3.3 < 5.1 °P
1.007 < 1.013 < 1.020 FG

Popularity Over Time

Most Used Yeasts

Most Used Hops

Dosage of Hops

Hop Pairings

Brewing Recipes