IPAs 101: What Makes an IPA Different From Other Beers?

Tue, Sep 22, 2026

An IPA, short for India Pale Ale, is a hop-forward ale known for bold bitterness and big aroma. It stands apart from other beers thanks to heavy hopping, which brings citrus, pine, and tropical fruit notes to your glass. If you’ve ever wondered, “What is IPA beer?” you’re in the right place.

At Martin’s, our team lives and breathes great beer. As a family-run craft beer store in New Orleans, we love helping folks find their next favorite pour. So let’s break down what makes IPAs special and where to find them locally.

What Is IPA Beer? A Quick Definition

An IPA is an ale brewed with lots of hops. Those hops create bitterness, aroma, and flavor. Historically, brewers added extra hops to help beer survive long sea voyages to India. Today, IPA craft beer is prized for its punchy, aromatic character.

Compared to a smooth lager or a balanced pale ale, an IPA turns the hops up loud.

IPA vs. Lager vs. Pale Ale

Here’s a simple comparison to show how these three styles differ:

As you can see, IPAs bring more alcohol, more bitterness, and bigger flavor. Lagers stay light and refreshing. Pale ales land somewhere in the middle.

Local Spotlight: Featured IPAs at Our Craft Beer Store in New Orleans

Louisiana knows how to brew. So when customers ask where to buy craft beer with local roots, we point them to our shelves. Here are a few IPAs we love to stock:

Parish Brewing (Broussard, LA): Known for hop-forward brews with serious flavor.
Gnarly Barley (Hammond, LA): A local favorite pushing juicy, aromatic IPAs.
Rotating regional and national IPAs: We refresh our selection often, so there’s always something new.

Want to explore your options? Browse our full IPA selection online or check out our complete beer shop. Whether you search for a “craft beer store near me” in New Orleans or shop from your couch, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to Find Your Perfect IPA?

Insert your text Now you know what sets IPAs apart: bold hops, higher bitterness, and bigger flavor. From crisp West Coast styles to juicy hazy pours, there’s an IPA for every taste.

As your neighborhood craft beer store in New Orleans, our team would love to help you find the right one. Stop by one of our locations, or shop online anytime at martinwine.com. Have questions? Feel free to reach out to us. We’re always happy to talk beer with a fellow fan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is IPA Beer?

IPA stands for India Pale Ale. It’s an ale brewed with heavy hops, giving it bold bitterness and aromatic flavor. Most IPAs feature citrus, pine, or tropical fruit notes.

What Is a Double IPA?

A Double IPA, also called an Imperial IPA, is a stronger, hoppier version of a standard IPA. It uses more hops and more malt, boosting both flavor and alcohol. If you want to know what a double IPA is in one word: intense.

Is IPA Stronger Than Regular Beer?

Usually, yes. IPAs often range from 6.3% to 7.5% ABV, while many lagers sit around 4% to 5%. Double IPAs climb even higher. So sip these bolder brews with care.

By Martin's Wine