Name
Specialty IPA - White IPA
Category
IPA
BJCP Style Code
21 B6
Appearance
Pale to deep golden color, typically hazy. Moderate to large, dense white head that persists.
Aroma
Moderate fruity esters banana, citrus, perhaps apricot. May have light to moderate spice aroma such as coriander or pepper from actual spice additions and/or Belgian yeast. Hop aroma is moderately-low to medium, usually American or New World type with stone fruit, citrus and tropical aromas. Esters and spices may reduce hop aroma perception. Light clove-like phenolics may be present.
Flavour
Light malt flavor, perhaps a bit bready. Fruity esters are moderate to high, with citrus flavors similar to grapefruit and orange, or stone fruit like apricot. Sometimes banana-like flavors are present. Hop flavor is medium-low to medium-high with citrusy or fruity aspects. Some spicy clove-like flavors from Belgian yeast may be present. Coriander and orange peel flavors may be found as well. Bitterness is high which leads to a moderately dry, refreshing finish.
Mouthfeel
Medium-light body with medium to medium-high carbonation. Typically no astringency, although highly spiced examples may exhibit a light astringency which is not distracting.
Overall Impression
A fruity, spicy, refreshing version of an American IPA, but with a lighter color, less body, and featuring either the distinctive yeast and/or spice additions typical of a Belgian witbier.
Typical Ingredients
Pale and wheat malts, Belgian yeast, citrusy American type hops.
History
American craft brewers developed the style as a late winter/spring seasonal beer to appeal to Wit and IPA drinkers alike.
Comments
A craft beer interpretation of American IPA crossed with a witbier.
Commercial Examples
Blue Point White IPA, Deschutes Chainbreaker IPA, Harpoon The Long Thaw, New Belgium Accumulation
Notes
Specialty IPA isnt a distinct style, but is more appropriately thought of as a competition entry category. Beers entered as this style are not experimental beers; they are a collection of currently produced types of beer that may or may not have any market longevity. This category also allows for expansion, so potential future IPA variants (St. Patricks Day Green IPA, Romulan Blue IPA, Zima Clear IPA, etc.) have a place to be entered without redoing the style guidelines. The only common element is that they have the balance and overall impression of an IPA (typically, an American IPA) but with some minor tweak.
The term IPA is used as a singular descriptor of a type of hoppy, bitter beer. It is not meant to be spelled out as India Pale Ale when used in the context of a Specialty IPA. None of these beers ever historically went to India, and many arent pale. But the craft beer market knows what to expect in balance when a beer is described as an IPA so the modifiers used to differentiate them are based on that concept alone.
Original Gravity
1.056 - 1.065 SG
Final Gravity
1.010 - 1.016 SG
Color
5 - 8 SRM
Alcohol
5.0 - 7.0 %vol
Bitterness
40 - 70 IBU