A theory about why IPAs are so popular

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by Orca, Mar 19, 2013.

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  1. Orca

    Orca Grand Pooh-Bah (4,441) Sep 18, 2010 Washington
    Pooh-Bah Society

    They taste healthy.

    Now hear me out people.

    We all know (or many of us do anyway) that IPAs taste and smell wonderful. Oh so juicy and pungent. But one thing that keeps drawing me back to the classic American IPA is the feeling that drinking them is actually good for me too. I think all that refreshing citrusy tropical goodness vaguely reminds me of drinking a nice tall glass of grapefruit or orange juice. Compare that to drinking a big, heavy barrel-aged imperial stout or barleywine. It's equally delicious in its own way, but when I drink one there's no way my mind is telling me "this is really a healthful beverage."

    And this thread isn't suggesting that beer doesn't come with its own set of health benefits, which of course are well-documented. I'm just saying that hoppy IPAs have particular attributes that cause us perceive them as even healthier than other kinds of beer. And in this health-conscious society, that gives them a leg up over other styles.

    Does anyone else out there think this theory holds water? Does anyone else drink IPAs and get a general feeling of wellness, even if it's a false one? Cheers!
     
  2. SerialTicker

    SerialTicker Pooh-Bah (2,815) Jun 18, 2012 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah

    It's the xanthohumol. So yes, IPAs are good for you. Is it why they're so popular? It's not why they're popular with me. I just enjoy damn good beer.

    Also, starting about half way down, one of many bits of information on hops and their probable health benefits: http://resources.purematters.com/herbs-supplements/x/xanthohumol

    Truth is, all the ingredients in beer is healthy... craft beer mostly contains all-natural, good-for-you ingredients. Even alcohol itself is supposedly good for you in moderation (Thank God) just because it's a natural antibiotic.
     
    19etz55 and JimKal like this.
  3. otispdriftwood

    otispdriftwood Initiate (0) Dec 9, 2011 Colorado

    Stop drinking before lunch. The real reason is because they're delicious!
     
    SFACRKnight, stearns16 and fredmugs like this.
  4. kevanb

    kevanb Pooh-Bah (2,569) Apr 4, 2011 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    I just find them to be equally satisfying as any other style, yet I can drink more in one sitting than other styles, so I drink them more often, but it doesn't mean I like them MORE than other styles.
     
    craigo19 likes this.
  5. fredmugs

    fredmugs Initiate (0) Aug 11, 2012 Indiana
    Deactivated

    "All this time I've been eating chicken because I thought it was delicious. Turns out I have a genetic pre-disposition." ~ Dave Chappelle.
     
    DocBrewsky, Chugs13, frazbri and 20 others like this.
  6. JohnSnowNW

    JohnSnowNW Initiate (0) Feb 6, 2013 Minnesota

    It's because their flavor and aroma is complex, unique, and enticing, in an otherwise drab and monotonous world.
     
  7. keysburg

    keysburg Initiate (0) Mar 28, 2012 Massachusetts

    They are popular for the same reason imperial bourbon barrel aged stouts are popular: American tastebuds are dead, killed by too much salt and sugar and we need the most extreme flavors available to sense anything.
     
  8. Scalzo

    Scalzo Zealot (654) Feb 27, 2012 Illinois
    Trader

    IPAS ARE SO POPULAR BECAUSE THEY SMELL LIKE WEED HAHRAHRHARH
     
    Bonis, AmitC, hoppytobehere and 4 others like this.
  9. Smitty1988

    Smitty1988 Initiate (0) Oct 16, 2012 Arizona

    I totally agree, I think there is something about them that makes them very refreshing. If I havent had a beer in awhile, I will always do an IPA first before anything else. It is just a clean, crisp, refreshing feeling that finishes with a pleasant taste. I feel the earthyness of the pine and grapefuit rine creates that getting back to nature sort of feeling for me.
    But then again, you wont take this serious, because of my avatar...:slight_frown:
     
    Orca likes this.
  10. jesskidden

    jesskidden Grand Pooh-Bah (3,071) Aug 10, 2005 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    That's been my practice, ever since seeing this ad on the bottom of page 1 of The New York Times, circa 1910.
    [​IMG]
    (Granted, it was a back issue - and my Prescription Plan keeps rejecting my claim :slight_frown: ).
     
    tronester, jgluck, Etan and 14 others like this.
  11. Orca

    Orca Grand Pooh-Bah (4,441) Sep 18, 2010 Washington
    Pooh-Bah Society

    You just made me cry a little bit on the inside.
     
  12. BigBarley

    BigBarley Pundit (759) Aug 5, 2011 Texas

    "I want you to show me the motherfucker that doesn't like chicken and watermelon!"
     
  13. highdesertdrinker

    highdesertdrinker Pooh-Bah (2,492) Nov 5, 2012 Arizona
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    That's our calling card here in 'Merica when it comes to brewing beer and it's not too heavy, and not too light, with rich, complex flavors for a reasonable price.
     
  14. whiskey

    whiskey Initiate (0) Feb 25, 2012 California

    Fixed
     
  15. loafinaround

    loafinaround Initiate (0) Jul 16, 2011 New York

    you're onto something there... I always equated IPAs with the chile pepper obsession many have (including me).
    Under the healthy idea, it doesn't fill you up like a heavy bourbon stout... lower cals and abv, so you feel less run down.

    to quote the slogan of a local pudding company:
    "Kozy shack: for the active lifestyle"
    :grinning:
     
    highdesertdrinker likes this.
  16. BeerLover99

    BeerLover99 Pooh-Bah (2,225) Dec 13, 2008 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah Society

    Interesting thread. I think IPAs are great all-access/anytime style.
    Two Major Reasons:
    1)Tons of aroma
    2)More body than BMC/lagers, BUT not too heavy/thick either.
     
    checktherhyme likes this.
  17. coachdicarlo

    coachdicarlo Initiate (0) Apr 20, 2012 Missouri

    This. For real.
     
  18. fox227

    fox227 Initiate (0) Nov 19, 2010 California

    There's nothing like a really fresh IPA or Pale Ale after not having one for a while. It's just a sensory explosion of delightful aromas and flavors, with a crisp bitter edge. What's not to like? I distrust people who don't like IPAs.
     
  19. ShogoKawada

    ShogoKawada Initiate (0) May 31, 2009 Pennsylvania

    how many IPAs did you have before you came up with this idea?
     
    BeerKangaroo and Nectar like this.
  20. stupac2

    stupac2 Pooh-Bah (2,031) Feb 22, 2011 California
    Pooh-Bah Society

    I think this hypothesis holds no water whatsoever.
     
    BirdsandHops and TMoney2591 like this.
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