What is IPA? It's not just bitter!
Schmatz's New World of "German IPA"
IPA is a very popular craft beer, and Schmatz, which offers German beer, also offers its own unique IPA called "German IPA."
We will thoroughly explain the characteristics and Schmatz's dedication to "German IPA," which boasts a drinkable balance and a rich aroma cultivated by authentic German brewing techniques and the Purity Law.
Table of Contents
1. What is IPA, the star of craft beer? [Basic Knowledge]
1-1. Its name comes from "India Pale Ale"
1-2. Why is IPA so popular?
2. How is it different from American IPA? A new proposal: "German IPA"
2-1. America's "Originality," Germany's "Harmony"
2-2. The "Constraints and Innovation" born from the German Beer Purity Law
2-3. The secret to its fruitiness lies in the "hops"
3. The reason Schmatz's IPA is "drinkable by the glass"
3-1. The "magical balance" you'll want to drink every day
3-2. Schmatz IPA's flavor and specifications
4. How to best enjoy IPA
4-1. "Temperature" and "glass" that open up the aroma
4-2. Pairings that go well with Schmatz IPA
Summary: Experience "German IPA" filled with authentic techniques
1. What is IPA, the star of craft beer? [Basic Knowledge]
When you go to a craft beer bar, you'll almost certainly see the letters "IPA." It's a beer style loved around the world, so much so that you'll hear people say "IPA, please!" instead of "Beer, please!"
But if someone were to ask you, "What exactly is IPA?", many people might be at a loss for words. First, let's unravel the basic definition and history of this style.
1-1. Its name comes from "India Pale Ale"
IPA is an abbreviation for "India Pale Ale." Its origins date back to 18th-century England. At that time, when beer was transported by ship from England to its colony in India, it was necessary to prevent the beer from spoiling during the long voyage across the equator.
The method devised was to add a large amount of "hops," which have antiseptic properties, and increase the alcohol content. This is said to be the beginning of IPA. As a result, a beer characterized by a strong bitterness and a rich aroma derived from hops was born.
1-2. Why is IPA so popular?
In the modern craft beer boom, IPA is truly the "star." Its greatest appeal lies in the "diverse character" woven by hops.
Depending on the type and quantity of hops used, it can exhibit an astonishing array of expressions, such as a citrus aroma like grapefruit, a sweet aroma like tropical fruits, or a spicy aroma like pine trees. IPA overturned the conventional wisdom of "beer = thirst-quenching" and spread the new value of "beer is for enjoying the aroma."
2. How is it different from American IPA? A new proposal: "German IPA"
Now to the main topic. Do you have the image of "IPA = intense, punchy bitterness"? That is a characteristic of "American IPA" (especially the West Coast style), which has driven the modern craft beer scene.
What Schmatz offers you is a unique style called "German IPA," which is distinct from that. You might be surprised to hear "IPA in Germany?", but in fact, it is filled with German aesthetics and techniques.
2-1. America's "Originality," Germany's "Harmony"
The decisive difference between typical American IPAs and Schmatz's proposed German IPAs lies in the philosophy of **"balance."**
|
Characteristics |
American IPA (West Coast) |
German IPA (Schmatz Style) |
|
Goal |
Originality (Individuality) |
Harmony (Balance) |
|
Bitterness |
Distinctly noticeable bitterness |
Mild and pleasant bitterness |
|
Flavor |
Dry taste that highlights hops |
Feel the sweetness and richness of malt |
|
Drinkability |
Emphasizes satisfaction and impact in one glass |
Drinkability for multiple glasses |
While American IPAs deliberately strip away the sweetness of malt to maximize the bitterness and aroma of hops, German IPAs prioritize "the harmony of malt and hops."
Maintaining the rich sweetness and body of malt, characteristic of German beer, while imparting the vibrant aroma typical of an IPA. "Bitter, yet also sweet," "highly aromatic, yet not overpowering for food." This exquisite balance is the true essence of German IPA.
2-2. The "Constraints and Innovation" born from the German Beer Purity Law
An absolute non-negotiable in Schmatz's brewing process is adherence to the "Beer Purity Law" (Reinheitsgebot), enacted in 1516. This law is a strict rule, arguably the world's oldest food hygiene law, limiting beer ingredients to only "malt, hops, water, and yeast."
While some craft beers around the world use fruits or spices as adjuncts to produce unique aromas, German brewers adhering to the Purity Law are strictly forbidden from doing so. "How do they make such a fruity IPA without using adjuncts?"
The answer lies in the combination of German brewing techniques and carefully selected hops.
2-3. The secret to its fruitiness lies in the "hops"
Schmatz's IPA uses American hops like "Simcoe" and "Chinook," which are known for their vibrant citrus and pine aromas.
"What? German beer but American hops?" you might think. This is where Schmatz gets interesting. It combines strong-aroma American hops with a base of traditional German brewing methods (Purity Law, malt, yeast).
Normally, using these hops the American way would result in strong bitterness, but Schmatz's German craftsmanship meticulously controls the timing and quantity of hop additions. This allows them to adhere to the Purity Law while creating a "hybrid" deliciousness where the sweetness of malt from German beer and the vibrant aroma of American hops merge.
3. The reason Schmatz's IPA is "drinkable by the glass"
There's a reason why Schmatz's IPA has so many repeat customers in stores and online: its unforgettable "drinkability."
3-1. The "magical balance" you'll want to drink every day
Typical IPAs, due to their strong bitterness, often lead to a feeling of "delicious, but one is enough." However, Schmatz's IPA is different.
◯ Smooth on the palate: An elegant flavor created by German ale yeast
◯ Rich body: A subtle sweetness from caramel malt
◯ Crisp finish: A citrus aroma from Simcoe and Chinook hops, with controlled bitterness
These three elements combine to create a "magical balance" that makes it "easy to drink" and "something you'll want to drink every day, and multiple glasses." This is a beer we particularly recommend to those who "used to find IPA too bitter."
3-2. Schmatz IPA's flavor and specifications
◯ Style: German IPA
◯ Alcohol Content: 6.5%
◯ Aroma: Citrus aroma like grapefruit and orange
◯ Flavor: A rich taste with a harmonious balance of caramel malt sweetness and hop bitterness
◯ Hops used: Chinook, Simcoe
Among our "carefully selected lineup of German beers imported directly by our beer sommeliers," this is a confident creation with particular attention to detail.
4. How to best enjoy IPA
Here's how to maximize the potential of your German IPA for the best enjoyment.
4-1. "Temperature" and "glass" that open up the aroma
For IPA, "aroma is everything." If it's too cold, the aroma will be suppressed, so the recommended temperature is 10-13℃. Leave it out of the refrigerator for a little while and enjoy the changing aroma as the temperature rises – that's the connoisseur's way to drink it.
Also, a glass with a shape that encloses the aroma (like a tulip glass) is recommended. Before taking a sip, bring the glass to your nose and inhale the refreshing citrus aroma deeply. This alone will double the deliciousness.
More detailed ways to enjoy it are introduced in this article. [Blog Card: How to enjoy Schmatz beer "with all five senses"]
4-2. Pairings that go well with Schmatz IPA
Schmatz IPA, with its combination of malt richness and hop bitterness, pairs perfectly with richly flavored dishes.
◯ Sausages/Meat Dishes: The classic German beer pairing. The bitterness of the IPA cleanses the palate of meat fats.
◯ Spicy Dishes: When paired with curry-flavored sausages (Currywurst) or grilled dishes made with spices, the hop aroma is further enhanced.
For more on Schmatz's commitment, please also refer to the following article.
[▶️ Schmatz's "Four Commitments"]
5. Summary: Experience "German IPA" filled with authentic techniques
IPA is not merely a "bitter beer." Schmatz's German IPA, adhering to the German tradition of the "Beer Purity Law," harmonizes the sweetness of malt and the aroma of carefully selected hops in an exquisite balance, creating an "unforgettable IPA."
This flavor is a fusion of the tradition of "authentic German beer" and the innovation of craft beer. We invite you to experience it at Schmatz stores or in your home. One sip, and you're sure to discover a new world of IPA.
Click here to enjoy German IPA at home ⏬ ⏬
Click here to enjoy freshly brewed IPA and German cuisine at our restaurants ⏬ ⏬
*Beer and food lineups and availability may vary by store. Please contact the store directly for details.
