Glasses of golden IPA beer with hops on a wooden table

How to Brew an IPA at Home

Why Brew an IPA?

India Pale Ales are bold, hoppy, and endlessly varied. From classic British IPAs to hazy New England-style IPAs loaded with tropical fruit aromas, there's a style to suit every palate. And because hops are the star of the show, an IPA is one of the most rewarding styles to brew at home — you have enormous creative control over the flavour and aroma of the finished beer.

What Makes an IPA?

An IPA is characterised by its prominent hop bitterness and/or hop aroma, balanced against a solid malt backbone. Alcohol content is typically in the 5–7% range, though session IPAs can be lower and double IPAs considerably higher.

Ingredients for a Basic Home Brew IPA (23 litres)

The Brewing Process

1. Sterilise Everything

As always, sterilise all your equipment before you begin. This is non-negotiable.

2. Make Your Wort

Steep your crushed crystal malt in 3 litres of water at 65–68°C for 30 minutes in a muslin bag. Remove the bag and bring the liquid to the boil. Dissolve your malt extract fully, then begin your 60-minute boil.

3. Hop Schedule

  • 60 minutes: Add Summit bittering hops
  • 15 minutes: Add Centennial hops and Protafloc tablet
  • Flameout (0 min): Add half the Citra hops, stir, and allow to steep for 10 minutes

4. Cool, Transfer and Pitch Yeast

Cool the wort as quickly as possible to below 25°C, top up to 23 litres with cold water, and pitch your Gervin GV12 ale yeast. Ferment at 19–21°C for 5–7 days.

5. Dry Hop

Once primary fermentation is complete, add the remaining Citra hops directly to the fermenter (in a nylon straining bag if preferred). Leave for 3–5 days at fermentation temperature. Dry hopping adds intense tropical fruit aroma without adding bitterness.

6. Check Gravity and Bottle

Use your hydrometer to confirm fermentation is complete (two identical readings 24 hours apart), then bottle with carbonation drops and condition for 1–2 weeks.

Tips for a Great IPA

  • Use fresh hops — hop aroma fades quickly, so buy from a supplier with good turnover
  • Keep fermentation temperatures stable to avoid off-flavours
  • Don't skip the dry hop — it's what separates a good IPA from a great one
  • Drink your IPA fresh — hop aroma fades over time

Find all the ingredients you need for your home brew IPA at Brewco.uk, including our full range of hop pellets, malts, and yeasts.

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