Double IPA also known as DIPA

What Does DIPA Stand For?

DIPA stands for Double India Pale Ale. It is another name for double IPA, while imperial IPA is used for the same general style. You may also see IIPA, short for Imperial India Pale Ale. An imperial IPA beer usually combines greater hop concentration with enough malt body to support its higher strength.

The word “double” does not mean that every recipe contains exactly twice the hops, malt or alcohol of a standard IPA. It signals an increase in overall intensity. A brewer may use more malt to produce additional fermentable sugar and a higher ABV, then add more hops at several points to build bitterness, flavour and aroma.

Alcohol warmth, malt sweetness and hop bitterness should support each other rather than compete.

Double IPA vs IPA: What Is the Difference?

Standard IPA commonly sits around 5% to 7.5% ABV, while the stronger style usually begins near the top of that range and can reach 10% ABV or more. It also tends to have a fuller body, denser hop aroma and more noticeable alcohol warmth.

Our IPA beer collection covers session, hazy, West Coast and Belgian interpretations, giving a useful comparison with the greater strength and concentration found in a DIPA.

The difference is not simply bitterness. Some versions have a sharp, resinous finish, while others use malt sweetness, oats, wheat and fruit-led hops to create a softer impression. A hazy beer may taste less bitter than a leaner standard West Coast IPA despite its greater strength.

How Double IPA Beers Build Flavour

Brewers can add hops during the boil for bitterness, later for flavour, and after fermentation through dry hopping for aroma. These beers often use several additions so the hop character develops in layers.

Early additions contribute bitterness. Later hops can bring grapefruit, orange, mango, pineapple, pine, herbs, berries or white grape notes. Dry hopping concentrates aroma without adding the same level of bitterness as hops boiled for longer.

DIPA vs DDH IPA

DIPA describes the stronger beer style, while DDH IPA stands for double dry hopped IPA and describes how hops are added. A DDH IPA does not have to be stronger than a standard IPA, although one beer can be both DDH and DIPA.

Malt has an equally important job. A larger grain bill provides the sugar needed for a higher ABV, while also giving the beer enough body to carry the hops. Pale malt usually forms the base, with other malts adding bread, biscuit, honey or light caramel. Compared with more restrained pale ale beers, the flavours in a DIPA are deliberately amplified.

West Coast and Hazy DIPA Styles

The two most recognisable approaches are clear West Coast DIPA and hazy DIPA, which may also be described as New England DIPA.

West Coast Double IPA

West Coast DIPAs are usually clear or lightly hazy, with a dry body and firm bitterness. Grapefruit peel, pine resin, orange, herbs and dank hop notes are common. The cleaner malt profile allows the finish to remain sharp and direct rather than syrupy.

Hazy DIPA and Hazy Double IPA

A hazy DIPA is fuller and softer, often using oats or wheat to create a smooth texture. Late hopping and dry hopping bring mango, peach, pineapple, citrus and other ripe fruit aromas, while bitterness tends to feel rounder.

Haze does not automatically show quality or freshness, so the brewery’s tasting notes and storage guidance remain important.

Belgian-Inspired Strong IPA

Some stronger IPAs use Belgian yeast, adding pepper, spice, pear or ripe fruit to the hops. A Belgian IPA provides a useful comparison for drinkers interested in stronger beer with more noticeable fermentation character.

What Does Double IPA Taste Like?

Double IPA usually tastes fuller, stronger and more hop-saturated than standard IPA. The exact profile depends on the hops, malt, yeast and finishing method.

Common tasting descriptions include:

• Grapefruit, lemon zest and orange peel

• Mango, peach, pineapple and passion fruit

• Pine, resin, fresh herbs and dank hops

• White grape, gooseberry, berries and floral notes

• Bread, biscuit, honey or light caramel from the malt

• Warming alcohol, particularly towards the finish

International Bitterness Units, shortened to IBU, do not tell you exactly how bitter a beer will taste. Malt sweetness, alcohol and body all change perceived bitterness, so a soft hazy DIPA can taste gentler than a drier beer with a lower stated IBU.

Double IPA ABV and Alcohol Percentage

The typical double IPA ABV sits between 7.5% and 10%. In practical terms, the usual double IPA alcohol percentage is around 8% or 9%, although individual beers can be stronger. Some imperial versions go beyond 10%, though these can move closer to triple IPA territory.

Higher strength can add body, sweetness and warmth. The alcohol may be well integrated, so fruit aroma and a soft texture can disguise the ABV. Check the label, choose a smaller serving and allow time for the flavour to develop.

Choosing DIPA Beers Online

When buying DIPA beers online, use the brewery description to identify the style. West Coast, dry, resinous or bitter point towards a clearer and firmer beer. Hazy, juicy, soft or New England suggest a fuller body and fruit-led aroma.

Then check:

• The ABV, which indicates strength and potential alcohol warmth.

• The hop notes, which show whether the beer leans towards citrus, tropical fruit, pine or something more unusual.

• The malt description, which can reveal a dry finish or a sweeter, fuller base.

• The packaging date or brewery guidance, as hop-led beer generally tastes better while fresh.

For someone who already enjoys strong IPA, our beer gift selection offers mixed choices as an alternative to one specialist can.

Food Pairings for DIPA

Double IPA needs food with enough flavour and richness to stand beside it. Hop bitterness can cut through fat, while citrus and tropical notes can lift spice, smoke and salt.

Useful pairings include:

• West Coast DIPA with burgers, barbecue or mature Cheddar

• Hazy DIPA with fried chicken, spicy tacos or mango-led sauces

• Resinous double IPA with roast pork or smoked meat

• Fruit-led DIPA with blue cheese or a strong washed-rind cheese

Very spicy can increase the sensation of bitterness and alcohol, so moderately spiced food usually creates a more balanced match.

Serving and Storing DIPA

Hop aroma fades with heat, light and time, so store stronger hop-led beers somewhere cool and dark. Check any brewery instructions and drink heavily dry-hopped or hazy releases while they are fresh.

Serve the beer chilled but not ice-cold. A few minutes in the glass can reveal fruit, pine, malt and alcohol notes that remain hidden at a very low temperature. A tulip or curved glass helps collect aroma and gives the beer room to form a head.

Pour steadily and leave any natural sediment in the can if you prefer a clearer glass. Follow the packaging guidance for hazy beer rather than shaking the can.

Our best-selling beers collection can help when you want to compare popular hop-led choices with changing DIPA releases.

Buy Double IPA Online From The Epicurean

If you want to buy DIPA online, The Epicurean’s collection brings together West Coast, hazy and other stronger hop-led beers from independent breweries. Each listing provides the ABV, style and pack size needed to compare the available DIPAs.

Browse the latest double IPA beers, check the hop profile and strength, and choose a can or bottle that matches the bitterness, body and aroma you enjoy.