When is a double IPA a barley wine ale

October 12, 2:03 PMBeer ExaminerCharlie Papazian

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Arrogant Bastard Ale is a classic Imperial or Double Red Ale. popular
wherever available or unavailable.  Image courtesy Stone Brewing Co.

Some beer enthusiasts call “foul” when it comes to the differences between barley wine ale and strong and hoppy versions of India pale ale and red ale.  On the surface it seems like there is quite a bit of overlap.

Take a look at the alcohol by volume (abv) of both styles of barley wine ale measuring in between 8.4% and 12%.  Bitterness units, a measure of hop bitter intensity weighs in between 40 and 60 units for English style and 60 to a whopping 100 units in American style.

Let’s look at the key indicators for both Imperial or Double India Pale Ale and Imperial or Double Red Ale.  Style guidelines from the Brewers Association

Imperial or Double India Pale Ale

Imperial or Double India Pale Ales have intense hop bitterness, flavor and aroma. Alcohol content is medium-high to high and notably evident. They range from deep golden to medium copper in color. The style may use any variety of hops. Though the hop character is intense it’s balanced with complex alcohol flavors, moderate to high fruity esters and medium to high malt character. Hop character should be fresh and lively and should not be harsh in quality. The use of large amounts of hops may cause a degree of appropriate hop haze. Imperial or Double India Pale Ales have medium-high to full body. Diacetyl should not be perceived.
?  Original Gravity (ºPlato) 1.075-1.100 (18.2-23.7 ºPlato) ? Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (ºPlato) 1.018-1.028 (4.5-7 ºPlato) ? Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 6.0-8.4% (7.5-10.5%) ? Bitterness (IBU) 65-100 ? Color SRM (EBC) 5-13 (10-26 EBC)

Imperial or Double Red Ale

Imperial or Double Red Ales have intense hop bitterness, flavor and aroma. Alcohol content is also very high and of notable character. They range from deep amber to dark copper in color and may exhibit a small amount of chill haze at cold temperatures The style may use any variety of hops. Though the hop character is intense it’s balanced with complex alcohol flavors, moderate to high fruity esters and medium to high caramel malt character. Imperial or Double Red Ales have a full body. Diacetyl should not be perceived.
? Original Gravity (ºPlato) 1.080-1.100 (19.5-23.5 ºPlato) ? Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (ºPlato) 1.020-1.028 (5-7 ºPlato) ? Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 6.3-8.4% (7.9-10.5%) ? Bitterness (IBU) 55-85 ? Color SRM (EBC) 10-15 (20-30 EBC)

There is overlap with some of the most fundamental characters, notably alcohol levels and hop bitterness.  So why are there separate style categories for these two beers that on the surface resemble barley wines? 

Left: One of America's classic Imperial IPAs, 90-minute IPA brewed by Dogfish Head Brewing Co.

Neither the barley wine ales nor the double India pale ale and imperial or double red ale descriptions make a point that barley wines are primarily intended to be aged.  Double India pale ale and imperial or double red ales are designed to have a bright hop character that is fresh and assertive.   These beers are not stylistically intended to be aged.  The brewer’s intention is to present a fresh, bright and lively beer to the beer drinker.

Arguably DIPAs and IDRAs can be aged, though at this point in their evolution most brewers are not designing these beers for the rigors of aging.

When is a double IPA a barley wine ale?  It isn’t unless you enjoy a barley wine before its time.  But like I said in my earlier post:  “A barley wine before its time is like a mountain without a peak.”

Also see:
Barley wine ales offer finesse, complexity and pause for reflection
Barley wine ale – two distinctive styles of beer