What Is an IPA?

With over 40 beers on tap, there's a reason folks keep coming back to McCray's Tavern, located on the Square in Lawrenceville, for good times and festive food and drinks. Whether you're a beer connoisseur or like to stick to your favorite brand, we have all the information you need to decide if an IPA is right for you.

IPA stands for India Pale Ale, which traces its roots back to the British Empire, and features hop flavors and aromas. Hops are the flowers of Humulus lupulus, a plant that helps beer retain its head of foam and stay fresher longer while adding layers of flavor and bitterness.

What do IPAs taste like?

The taste boundaries of a classic IPA are varied, but all have one thing in common: distinct hop flavor. Of course, there are many varieties of hops, but to enjoy the full flavor profile of each IPA, it's best to enjoy your beverage from a glass, so you'll be able to detect all of the aromas as you sip it.

It's hard to say what each IPA tastes like because they are all different and will often depend on the type of hops used when brewing. We know that flavors can run from bold and fruity to slightly bitter and enhance certain foods' flavors. If you like your wings hot and spicy, pairing a basket with one of our IPAs can take your tastebuds to the next level and have you asking for more.

How is an IPA different from a lager?

The major difference between the types of beer is the types of yeast used in the fermenting process. Beer is brewed as either a lager or ale, and a lager is created with cooler temps during fermenting, while ales need much higher temperatures to reach completion. 

Further along in the fermentation process, specific hop ingredients are added to the brewing process, contributing widely to the ever-expanding world of craft beers. As a result, lagers are light and malty and are more limited in the flavors drinkers can expect when trying out a new selection, unlike an ale, which can be fruity and taste almost citrusy.

The craft beer industry is constantly evolving as brewers always try new combinations to make a better-tasting beer. So if you're ready to try an IPA and have found yourself staring blankly at the many options at your favorite retailer, then ask our staff what they recommend to pair with your favorite meal.

Ready to try an IPA? Stop by McCray’s Lawrenceville Tavern today!

There’s no need to wait for the weekend to try one of our IPAs, since we’re open seven days a week. If you’re new to the world of pale ale, let our friendly staff suggest the perfect IPA just for you. Kick back with a basket of wings and grab one of our Big A$$ Pretzels to watch the game on our big-screen TVs, while sipping on your favorite adult beverage. 

McCray’s Lawrenceville Tavern, stop by and see why we’re one of the best restaurants and bars in Lawrenceville. We’ll see you soon!