Legend has it that when Pale Ales were shipped to the British Indian army they didn't survive the long journey. Too often beer would arrive stale or even infected. Too hot to brew consistently in India they looked at ways in which beer could be successfully transported. IPAs were said to be slightly stronger and more highly hopped making them more robust to travel the distance.

Sometimes British IPAs fall under this category and are usually slightly stronger pale ales or bitters. However, it's the American IPAs that are full of aroma and flavour. There is an intense flavour from the hops, often taking the form of citrus or tropical fruits. Resinous pine and strong bitterness are also characteristic of this style.

IPAs work well at pacifying the heat found in some food including Indian, Jerk, Cajun and Pad Thai. The bitterness and carbonation helps to cleanse the palate.