What is a Double IPA?
Double IPA, often abbreviated as DIPA and also known as Imperial IPA, is a more powerful variant of IPA. These beers typically have a higher alcohol content, a fuller body, and an intense hop character. The name does not mean that all ingredients or the alcohol content have literally been doubled.
The brewer seeks a balance between hops, malt, and alcohol. This results in beers with plenty of aroma and flavor, where each brewer chooses their own direction.
What does a Double IPA taste like?
Hops can provide aromas of citrus, tropical fruit, stone fruit, or pine. The malt base gives the beer body and can add some sweetness, which balances the bitterness. Some Double IPAs are soft and rounded, while others are dry and distinctly bitter.
A higher alcohol content can also provide a warming touch. How clearly you taste that depends on the beer and the balance between the different flavors.
Is a Double IPA always more bitter than an IPA?
A Double IPA is not automatically more bitter. The name primarily says something about the strength of the beer, while the brewing method determines how that strength is expressed.
A Hazy or New England style Double IPA, for example, can come across as soft and juicy. A West Coast style variant often has a drier finish and a more pronounced bitterness. Two beers with DIPA on the label can therefore taste very different.
Which Double IPA is right for you?
Do you like fruity hop aromas and a soft mouthfeel? Then a hazy Double IPA is a great direction to explore. Are you looking for a fresh bitterness and a dry finish instead? Then look at a West Coast style Double IPA.
Your favorite IPA can be a good starting point. Tell us which beers you like to drink and what appeals to you about them. We will help you find a DIPA that matches that, or introduce you to a new side of the style.
Buy Double IPA at De Biersalon
At De Biersalon, you will find Double IPAs from breweries in the Netherlands, the rest of Europe, and beyond. Our selection changes regularly, with new releases, trusted breweries, and names you might not know yet.
Do you want to compare different DIPAs or are you looking for something that matches a previous favorite? We are happy to help you with personal advice, in the store or via a message.
Curious about the other variants? On our IPA main pageyou can discover the entire beer family, from Session IPA to Triple IPA.
Discover our Top-Rated IPAs
Curious which IPAs are highly rated by other beer enthusiasts? In our overview of Top-Rated IPAsyou will find all the IPAs in our range with an Untappd score above 4.00, including Double IPAs. A great place to get inspiration and discover your next favorite.