Educate me: IPL vs Pilsner

The term of “quality” has been debated in numerous BA threads.

There is no universally accepted definition for beer quality by BAs.

Some folks utilize what I term the manufacturing definition of quality: a consistent product.

Some folks utilize what I term the craftsmanship definition of quality: a beer that is ‘hand crafted’ with quality ingredients selected and a conscientious and laborious brewing process.

Some folks subscribe to what I call the taste definition of quality: This beer tastes good to me so therefore it is of high quality.

There are other definitions beyond the three illustrated above.

Cheers!

 

I know they wouldn't be exclusive, but I have to think a supposed pilsner with no pilsner malts or noble hops wouldn't actually be one at all, and certainly not if it wasn't lagered. IPLs, on the other hand, however the name is viewed, seem to be governed by simpler rules:
1. Hoppy
2. Lager
"Pale" is, to a small degree, a matter of opinion and/or color recognition and isn't integral to the style; someone's bound to come around with a "copper IPL" or something of the like and inevitably a huge debate will be sparked when someone brews a so-called "black IPL." We might as well just wait for the first Cascadian Black Lagers to start popping up.

 

I don't, hops can have a flavor and profile range that is pretty extreme, from earthy, grassy and spicy to floral, citrus, etc. Lager typically means using a lager yeast, but there is no real standard as to which yeast or family thereof, but it could simply refer to the process of lagering the beer along with a low (sub ~55 degree) fermentation temperature. If I get an IPA from an American brewery, I'll generally know what to expect, same as if I go for an IPA from a British brewery, I'll have a fair amount of information before I take that first sip. IPL just isn't standardized as a style yet. Maybe consensus will lead us in that direction, but right now, its not there.

 

ISO: Black IPL! (The best nonsensical descriptor, I believe, since it's both black and pale lol)

 

That's the issue people have with Black IPA. That's happened already, so I'm just waiting on it.

 

I give you Casdcadian Schwartzbier (close enough):
http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/26520/79012/

 

I agree. You don't have to clone a well known Pilsner from Europe just make one that fits the style. The local Brew Pub has a Pilsner on tap all the time. Any BA drinking it blind would know it's a Pilsner and a very good one at that.

 

That stuff is great by the way. Had it on tap two weeks ago.

 

For what it's worth, that was a great beer. One of the best Black IPAs I've ever had, and it's not even a Black IPA.

 

IPLs are just lagered IPAs, which are just hoppy Pale ales, which are just Ales made with Pale Malt, which are just gruits made with hops, which are just meads made with malts instead of honey.

Therefore everything is just mead. We can stop the style madness now.

 

If you are a BA nothing in beer is just anything

 

But if you are a BA then beer is definitely anything BUT cider!

 

I just proved it, all beer is mead.

Science.

 

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/219/121058/

 

SO can anyone bring clarity to what's the difference between an 'IPL' and an Imperial Pilsner?

 

A pilsner is a type of lager with strict style guidelines: http://www.bjcp.org/2008styles/style02.php

An IPL would fit under the BJCP Specialty Beer category. It would likely use American or English hops and would be in the 40-60 IBU range.

 

Just like most have posted,the word Imperial has no impact on what a Pilsner is.hate the adjective as it it is used to describe different styles.only means more Abv.cheers