French Craft IPA: Our Expert Selection

The world of French craft beer is booming, with a local scene that has never been more creative. Faced with ever-expanding shelves, finding the perfect French craft IPA or French pale ale for your palate can sometimes be a challenge. This guide is here to provide the essentials, whether you're just curious or a seasoned hoppy beer expert, and help you make the right choice.

Buyer's Guide: The Keys to Choosing Well

Before we get to our selection, here are a few key concepts for decoding a beer and finding the one that's right for you.

1. Understanding the Difference: IPA vs. Pale Ale

Although they are often confused, these two styles have very distinct and different personalities.

• Pale Ale: Softer and more approachable, the Pale Ale is all about balance. You'll find cereal and bread flavours from the malt, enhanced by floral or fruity hops, but without overwhelming bitterness. It's the ideal gateway into the world of craft beer.
• IPA (India Pale Ale): Here, hops are king! Expect a much more pronounced bitterness and a true explosion of aromas: citrus, tropical fruits, pine, resin... It's a complex and powerful beer that leaves a lasting impression.

2. Decoding the Label: ABV and Bitterness

Two crucial pieces of information to look for on the can to know what to expect:

• ABV (Alcohol by Volume): This is simply the alcohol content. A 5% beer will naturally be lighter than one with a 7% ABV.
• Bitterness: The official scale (IBU) is rarely displayed, but the description is your best friend. Phrases like "assertive bitterness," "dry finish," or "generously hopped" set the tone: this beer packs a punch!

3. The Brewery: A Signature

Taking an interest in who brews the beer is just as important as the recipe itself. A Castelain brewery in the Hauts-de-France region won't have the same philosophy as the Gallia brewery in Paris. Each has its own identity, history, and expertise. Tasting the creations of different breweries is the best way to develop your palate and discover new gems.

Recommended French Craft Beers

Enough theory, on to the tasting! Here are three beers that perfectly embody the richness of the French brewing scene.

CASTELAIN Pale Ale 5.5%

• Why we love it: This Pale Ale from the Castelain brewery is the perfectly executed archetype of the style. It succeeds in being both refreshing and full of character. It's the smart session beer, perfect for beginners or for a successful aperitif.

• Highlights:

  • Profile: Refreshing and crisp with floral notes and a subtle malty sweetness.
  • Body: Light to medium, with a clean, dry finish.
  • Suggested pairings: Grilled meats, hamburgers, or charcuterie and cheese boards.
  • ABV: 5.5% vol.

• Who is it for?: For those who want to discover French pale ale without going wrong, or for enthusiasts looking for a reliable, light, and perfectly balanced choice.

GALLIA Western IPA 6%

• Why we love it: A brilliant nod to American West Coast IPAs! The Western IPA from Gallia goes all-in on the hops, with an assertive bitterness and explosive aromas. A must-try for purists.

• Highlights:

  • Profile: Pronounced notes of citrus and tropical fruits, supported by a robust and lingering bitterness.
  • Body: Medium and well-structured.
  • Suggested pairings: Smoked barbecue meats, spicy Mexican dishes, or strong cheeses.
  • ABV: 6% vol.

• Who is it for?: For lovers of hoppy beer who enjoy a brew that packs a punch. If you're looking for an uncompromising, characterful IPA, this one's for you.

CASTELAIN IPA 6.5%

• Why we love it: Castelain delivers a modern and highly successful take on the IPA here. The focus is on the fruit and hop aromas, while the bitterness, though present, remains perfectly controlled for maximum drinkability.

• Highlights:

  • Profile: Intense aromas of citrus and tropical fruits.
  • Body: Medium, crisp, and sharp, with a pronounced bitterness and a pleasant finish.
  • Suggested pairings: Spicy dishes (Thai curry), grilled meats, or blue cheeses.
  • ABV: 6.5% vol.

• Who is it for?: For those who love juicy, aromatic IPAs but are primarily looking for balance and freshness rather than an overpowering bitterness.

And That's Just the Beginning!

Your exploration is only just beginning. To discover other styles, find under-the-radar breweries, or create your own French beer discovery pack, the possibilities are endless.

Explore our complete collection of canned drinks to find your next favourite gems and continue your brewing adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the fundamental difference between an IPA and a Pale Ale?

To put it simply: it's all about the intensity of the hops. The IPA (India Pale Ale) is all about the hops, giving it a pronounced bitterness and powerful aromas (citrus, tropical fruits, pine). The Pale Ale, on the other hand, is more restrained: the malt (cereal) is more expressive, and the bitterness remains subtle, making it smoother and more easy-drinking.

How should you properly taste a hoppy beer?

The secret is proper serving. Serve your IPA or Pale Ale chilled (between 6 and 8°C) in a tulip glass or a special IPA glass. Its tapered shape will concentrate all the aromas towards your nose. Most importantly, take the time to smell it before the first sip to capture all its subtleties.

Can you buy craft beer online with confidence?

Absolutely. Buying your craft beer online is not only reliable, but it's often the best way to access a much wider selection than in-store, especially for finding beers from microbreweries. The crucial point: check that the seller provides detailed information on storage and delivery conditions to ensure you receive a product of impeccable freshness.