The French craft beer scene is booming, and the French IPA has taken the lion's share. With shelves overflowing with creativity, making a choice can be tough. Looking for a beer with character, hopped to perfection, but don't know where to start? This guide is here to help you decipher the labels and find the hidden gem that will delight your palate, without getting lost in marketing jargon.
How to Choose the Right French IPA
Before you dive in, here are a few key tips for understanding the style and making the right choice when buying IPA beer online or in-store.
1. Decoding Bitterness (IBU)
IBU (International Bitterness Unit) is the scale used to measure a beer's bitterness, which comes primarily from the hops.
- Low IBU (15-40): The bitterness is subtle, allowing fruity aromas or malt sweetness to take centre stage. Perfect for newcomers to the style.
- Moderate IBU (40-60): This is the sweet spot for most classic IPAs. The bitterness is present and assertive, yet well-balanced.
- High IBU (60+): For seasoned palates and fans of intense flavours. The bitterness is powerful, lingering, and dominates the beer's profile.
Understanding IBU helps you anticipate the beer's character and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
2. Identifying Hop Aromas
Not all IPAs are created equal when it comes to aroma. The choice of hops is crucial and defines the beer's entire profile. They can be grouped into broad aromatic families:
- Citrus: Grapefruit, lemon, orange (e.g., Cascade, Centennial hops).
- Tropical Fruits: Mango, passion fruit, pineapple, lychee (e.g., Citra, Mosaic, Simcoe hops).
- Resinous & Floral: Pine, grassy notes, white flowers (e.g., Chinook, European noble hops).
The label on an artisanal IPA often specifies these notes. Trust your own preferences to narrow down your selection.
3. Prioritise Local Craftsmanship
Every brewery has its own touch, its signature. Whether it comes from Corsica, Burgundy, or the Paris region, a French IPA is a reflection of its terroir and the brewer's philosophy. Choosing a brewery also means supporting local artisans and discovering unique interpretations of the IPA style.
Our French IPA Recommendations
Here are three gems that perfectly embody the diversity and quality of the French brewing scene.
LORO Carmen Artisan IPA Beer 33cl
- What sets it apart: Brewed in Burgundy, the Carmen from LORO brewery is a straightforward and highly aromatic take on the India Pale Ale style. It boasts a generous hoppy character, supported by a solid malt backbone that ensures perfect balance.
- Key features:
- Aroma profile: Bold notes of citrus and tropical fruits.
- Balance: A distinct but perfectly controlled bitterness, leading to a clean and refreshing finish.
- ABV:6.5%, giving it body and roundness.
- Who is it for? Fans of classic, well-crafted IPAs who appreciate a frank bitterness and clean aromas. A reliable choice for discovering French craftsmanship.
PIETRA Corsican IPA Beer 6% ABV 33 cl
- What sets it apart: The Corsican brewery Pietra delivers a decidedly modern IPA, defined by its double dry-hopping with the famous Citra hop. This technique extracts maximum aroma without adding overwhelming bitterness.
- Key features:
- Fruit explosion: An intense nose of passion fruit and mango gives way to citrus notes on the palate.
- Controlled bitterness: With 40 IBU, it strikes the perfect balance between malt roundness and hop freshness.
- Appearance: Amber and hazy, typical of modern IPAs, topped with a dense head.
- Who is it for? Those who prefer the exuberance of tropical fruits over a sharp bitterness. The ideal gateway to Hazy or New England style IPAs.
Deck & Donohue Indigo IPA Beer, 6.5% ABV, 33 cl
- What sets it apart: A pioneer of the Parisian craft scene, the Deck & Donohue brewery pays homage to the hop with its Indigo IPA. The result? A bitterness the brewery describes as "juicy-fruity"—exuberant yet perfectly balanced.
- Key features:
- Juicy character: The focus is on the fruity and juicy side of the hops, a very popular trend among connoisseurs.
- Perfect balance: The bitterness is expressive without ever being aggressive, making it particularly approachable.
- ABV:6.5%, a classic for the style, which adds body and supports the aromas.
- Who is it for? The curious and craft beer lovers looking for a modern, fruity, and balanced IPA that embodies the revival of urban breweries.
Ready to Explore Further?
This selection is just a taster. The French brewing scene is full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. To explore other options, find lagers or amber ales, or even build your own IPA tasting pack, browse our complete collection.
? Discover our entire selection of Wines and Beers on Joybuy.fr
Your Questions About French IPA
What's the difference between an IPA and a classic lager?
It's all about the hops! A French hoppy beer in the IPA style uses a much more generous amount of hops, both during the boil (for bitterness) and after (for aroma). The result is a beer that's generally more bitter, far more aromatic, and often a notch higher in alcohol content than a classic pilsner or lager.
How should I store an artisanal IPA?
Hop aromas are volatile and sensitive to both light and heat. To preserve all its freshness, store your IPA upright, in a cool, dark place (the refrigerator is its best friend). Our advice: enjoy it soon after purchase. Its aromatic bouquet is at its peak when the beer is young.
Is it safe to buy IPA beer online?
Absolutely, as long as you use trusted sites that have mastered the art of break-proof packaging. A reputable e-commerce seller will ensure your beers arrive intact and in conditions that preserve their quality. Checking the delivery terms and customer reviews is always a good idea.
