Introducing The first Historical IPA mixedpack

For the first time, a series of historical IPAs from different periods in history are all available in a single pack. You can order these online here. I’ve taken a deep-dive into the history of IPA and resurfaced with historically accurate re-creations of IPAs from the years 1754, 1823, 1870 and 1914 to bring you a taste of early versions of this legendary style. Read on below for a summary of each carefully re-created historical beer, some of which were aged for months in oak barrels to simulate the trip to India.

You can listen to a deep-dive into the story of IPA written and narrated by our brewer on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

1754 – Hodgson’s Accidental Discovery

The story begins when George Hodgson, owner of the upstart Bow Brewery in London, offered ship captains from the East India Company a great deal to carry his ale to India. His heavily hopped pale ale not only survived the long, hot sea voyage to India, but accidentally transformed into a refined, balanced ale on the way. Hodgson’s India Pale Ale (IPA) became a sensation among British expats. It dominated the overseas market and became known as a taste of home, establishing IPA as a the drink of a growing empire. Business would be great until Hodgson’s descendants went back on their deal with the captains, raised their prices, and tried to cut out everyone who had helped their business grow.

1823 – Allsopp’s Triumph

The Chairman of the East India Company was angry with the Bow Brewery’s new attitude. He met Samuel Allsopp, a brewery owner from Burton-Upon-Trent, at a dinner party and challenged him to replicate the Hodgson IPA. Allsopp not only replicated it, but improved it. Burton's mineral-rich water, which enhanced the flavor and consistency of his ales, was ideal for brewing IPA. The East India Company supported Allsopp’s and soon he took over the Bow Brewery’s market and helped force them out of business. Allsopp’s brewery would grow from producing a few thousand barrels of ale per year to a quarter million barrels. Burton became synonymous with world-class brewing and the local brewing scene exploded. IPA transformed into a global product, riding the wave of the British Imperial Century.

1870 – The Flavour of Empire

By 1870, IPA was not just a drink but a symbol of British progress and pride. The Industrial Revolution propelled breweries to new heights. Allsopp and his now larger competitor, Bass, were leaders in adopting new technologies. These brewers leveraged steam power, refrigeration, and railroads to mass-produce ale. IPA’s sophisticated, pale appearance, and patriotic marketing made it the drink of the middle and upper classes, celebrated in exclusive clubs. Its identity evolved, becoming a reflection of Victorian ambition and the empire’s zenith.

1914 – The Changing Tastes of a World at War

As World War I loomed, the robust IPA fell out of favour. Economic hardship, war rationing, and changing palates led to the rise of mild ales and lagers. Samuel Allsopp’s great-grandson, Percy, made an ambitious pivot to lager but the project ended in disaster, putting him out of business. IPA made a comeback during WWI because of its patriotic identity but had been reduced from 7% alcohol to 3-5% because there wasn’t enough grain. Britain’s global dominance faded after the war. IPA, the drink most closely associated with it, faded, too. IPA would nearly disappear during the 20th century until it was reinvented during the craft beer boom of the 1990s and 2000s.

Want to learn more about the story of IPA?

You can listen to a deep-dive into the story of IPA written and narrated by our brewer on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

You can read it here.

You can taste it by purchasing it at your local liquor store or order it online here.