A refreshing, crisp, light-bodied, and very drinkable IPA with pronounced hop aroma and bitterness. Maltiness is rather in the background and only partially balances the strong hop character. Due to the type of yeast used, very low levels of sulfur or esters may be present.
Aroma
A hop aroma is medium to high and its character reflects New World hops. Typically notes of citrus, tropical fruit, and resin. Possibly floral, stone fruit (apricot, peach, cherry), berry (currants, gooseberry, grape) or spicy. When using top-fermenting yeast, esters may appear; when using bottom-fermenting yeast, sulfur compounds may appear. Both are optional and, if present, should always be at low to very low levels. DMS is undesirable. Neutral yeast character is optimal. Maltiness is low, with a malty sweet and very light grainy character, with bready and almost honey-like notes.
Appearance
Straw to light golden colour. Very clean, possibly very slightly hazy. Chill haze is undesirable. White, tall head with very good retention.
Flavour
Bitterness is medium to high, but never harsh or tart. Hop flavor is medium-high to very high. Classic expressions of New World hops may be present, such as citrus, resin, spice, or floral notes. Also notes of tropical fruit, stone fruit, or berry. Esters are usually not very pronounced. Neutral fermentation profile is suitable. Maltiness is medium low to low, with a sweet malty and very slightly grainy character, with bready and almost honey-like notes. Without toast or caramel flavor and without corny-like sweetness. Finish is medium-dry to dry and rather long, but should not be lingering. Balance is toward hops and bitterness.
Mouthfeel
Medium-low to low body, medium to high carbonation. In stronger versions, a hint of alcoholic warmth may present. Astringency and especially creaminess are not desirable.
Comments
According to Kevin Davey, Cold IPA is “more western than West Coast.“ He also considers it to be the anti-thesis of New England IPA. In certain respects, it can be confused with beers labeled as India Pale Lager. IPL should generally be more like a lager with New World hops, while Cold IPA is essentially a bottom-fermented or cold-fermented, less full-bodied, pale version of a West Coast IPA.
History
It was first brewed in 2018 at Wayfinder Brewery in Portland (Oregon) by brewer Kevin Davey under the name Relapse IPA, for the anniversary of the recording company of the same name. To this day, there are debates about whether Cold IPA can even be considered a distinct beer style.
Characteristic Ingredients
The base is usually Pilsner malt, most commonly adjuncted with rice or sometimes corn (20 to 40 % of the grist). Hopped with New World hops. Dry hopping may occur during fermentation or conditioning. Biotransformation is usually used. It is either top-fermented at lower temperatures or bottom-fermented at higher temperatures.
Style Comparison
Hop aroma and flavor similar to New England IPA and Extra Brut IPA and bitterness like American IPA. Colour and clarity similar to Extra Brut IPA. Fullness between American IPA and Extra Brut IPA. Sometimes interchangeable with India Pale Lager. Debates continue about the differences between IPL and Cold IPA — and whether there are any at all.
Vital Statistics
IBU: 50-70
EBC: 4-10
OG: 13.5°-16° Plato
OF: 1.5°-2.5° Plato
ABV: 6.5-8 %
Commercial Examples
Wayfinder Original Cold IPA, Chroust Union Cold IPA, OP 10th Anniversary Ale (Cobolis), Rotor CH 47 Chinook, Sibeeria Ice Planet, Zichovec Polar Express.