In my experience, export beer is often stronger than regular beer. I’ve noticed this especially with India Pale Ales (IPAs), which are brewed to withstand the challenges of international shipping.
To understand why export beer tends to be stronger, we can look at the history of IPAs. Back in the 18th century, when Britain had colonies in India, British soldiers and civilians stationed there craved a taste of home. However, the long journey from Britain to India took its toll on regular beers, which would spoil and become undrinkable during the voyage.
To overcome this issue, brewers began producing a stronger and hoppier beer known as India Pale Ale. The higher alcohol content and increased hop bitterness acted as natural preservatives, allowing the beer to survive the arduous journey to India without spoiling.
Today, the term “export” has come to be associated with stronger, hoppier beers that can withstand the rigors of international shipping. These beers are often brewed with a higher alcohol content and a greater amount of hops, providing a more robust and flavorful experience.
Personally, I’ve enjoyed many export beers that have packed a punch in terms of both alcohol content and hop bitterness. They tend to have a more pronounced and complex flavor profile compared to regular beers. The higher alcohol content can also provide a warming sensation, making them perfect for sipping on a chilly evening.
It’s worth noting that not all export beers are necessarily stronger than regular beers. The term “export” can also refer to beers that are specifically brewed for export markets, without necessarily being higher in alcohol. Different countries may have different regulations and preferences when it comes to beer strength, so it’s not a universal rule.
Export beers, such as India Pale Ales, are often stronger than regular beers. They were originally brewed to withstand the challenges of international shipping and have become associated with higher alcohol content and hop bitterness. However, it’s important to remember that not all export beers are necessarily stronger, as the term can also refer to beers specifically brewed for export markets.