AIPA or NZIPA wave a'coming

https://www.westword.com/restaurant...e-ale-and-ipa-styles-to-gabf-judging-11940226

Looks like the BA has taken notice as well. Also seems that there really isn’t any concrete style guidelines, similar to its big brothers. I’m not really sure what I think of this other than if it’s good, I’ll drink it. I recently obtained a “3 Way” from Fort George Brewery in a trade and you’ve got me pretty excited to drink it. Cheers.

 

“I'm wondering if this is a wave similar to what we've seen with NEIPAs over the last 6-7 years.”
- It won’t be.

“Is this already a thing? And how long until they start getting distinguished with their own style name?”
- It’s a thing to some. As mentioned, even the Brewer’s Association has “officially” recognized it. US brewers have been marketing beers like this before the world went hazy.

“Would that even be appropriate (to name the style like that)?”
- I don’t think it’s a good idea to promote, but brewers need to sell beers and contests need new categories. More below.

“And (last question, for now, promise) did this trend actually start with Aussie and/or New Zealand brewers, or is this something brewers have just been playing with here stateside?”
- I couldn’t tell you what was happening on the other side of the world, but brewers over here were doing it.

So, back to the thing I said about it not being a good idea in my eyes - it just seems like a shockingly poor distinction at the moment. The BA now has Australian-Style Pale Ale, New Zealand-Style Pale Ale, and New Zealand-Style IPA. Do they somehow think that brewers won’t make a so-called “Australian-Style IPA” now? They even bothered to separate Australian and New Zealand pale ale with the only real difference being slightly more body with the latter. Unreal.

And what exactly is supposed to set these beers apart from everything else? If it was just the location of where the hops were grown that would be a bad choice. It might seem like we currently do that with other beer styles… but we really don’t. The BA isn’t even doing that in their list (perhaps because they realize the logic trap it would create). They went with a generic possible flavor list instead: tropical, floral, stone fruit, citrus, sulfur, grass, etc. That sounds like almost every IPA being made today.

 

Okay, can't hold back...

Hey look! Another IPA thread.

 

Maybe I have blinders on and don't fully appreciate what I drink, but I haven't taken note and wanted to learn the name of any specific hop since Citra. I'm certain that I've had beers that used NZ hops, but I think they were paired up with American varieties. So I doubt that the NZIPA will be a serious thing even if it is its own style.

 

Perhaps only a matter of time before New Zealand Pilsner is a 'thing'?

 

I generally like the hops and flavors I've had from those regions. I appreciate that they're getting more popular, too.

That said, I REALLY REALLY hope people don't try and create yet another "style" based on geographic nuance. In 5 years we're going to have an IPA for every state of the country and a pilsner from half the world...based on 1-2 examples that may or may not have originated in those places. Let alone the fact that geographic taste preferences are fleeting in an industry that's only been around for a couple decades. The GABF medal ceremony is going to take 2 days and every brewery on the US is going to get at least 4 medals.

 

And that is the reason why the Brewers Association keeps creating more and more beer styles. They want to 'reward' their members.

Cheers!

 

Give me a break.

 

Remember when it comes to the Brewers Association style guidelines and GABF it is all about:

 

I expect Foster-like 750ml singles at $10-12 a pop.

 

@zid nailed it in that New Zealand and Australian hop varieties were being used by brewers before NEIPAs. The juicy/fruity and less piney bitter IPAs were coming onto the scene in the 2010-2015 timeframe where the NEIPAs really didn’t start to get traction across the country until after that wave. I’m thinking of beers like Tazmanian IPA by Schafly as an example.

 

I prefer a more local West Philly style IPA, My Pale ale I am more into the South Philly style......


Enjoy

 

Yet you clicked on the thread and posted on it instead of just ignoring it!

 

I am nothing, if not vigilant.

 

LOL, that made me laugh. Next time you are at a chain restaurant with craft beer options....
You "what craft beers do you have?"
Waiter "what styles do you like?"
You " I prefer a more local West Philly style IPA, My Pale ale I am more into the South Philly style"
Then just ask for a water or ice tea etc.

 

Alpine Nelson, it’s been around forever and brewed with Nelson and Southern Cross only. Both NZ hops only. It’s kinda hazy.

 

Here’s another one OP…it’s not an ipa, but still, see description



“A unique blend of Southern Hemisphere hops…”

At least it’s not double dry hopped I’ll give em that.