We all know hops are the main act in any IPA – bursting with citrusy, piney, tropical goodness. But behind the scenes, there’s another key player shaping your favourite brews: malt. Yep, that beautiful malty backbone we often take for granted in an IPA can make or break the whole experience. From a pillowy New England IPA, to a sweet and spicy Rye IPA, the malt bill deserves a round of applause too. Let’s dive in and give malt its moment!
After barley, wheat is the world’s go-to grain – and for good reason! Its high protein content adds a creamy mouthfeel, helps hold that picture-perfect foamy head, and sometimes contributes to delivering that hazy appearance we all crave in our juicy New England IPAs. It’s an essential for brewers when looking for that soft and juicy vibe!
Oats often fly under the radar in big hop bombs but are essential in some styles – think New England IPAs and Oat Cream IPAs. Thanks to their natural starches and gums, oats leave behind a lush, creamy and pillowy texture that clings to the palate and makes every sip feel like a hop-flavoured cloud.
In most IPAs, brewers keep the malt profile light so hops can take centre stage – but that doesn’t mean darker malts don’t get invited to the show! Used sparingly, they can add depth without overshadowing the hops. When things get a little more malt-forward, like in a Red IPA, Brown IPA (or its little brother: the American Brown), or Black IPA, the balance becomes a dance between toast, sweet caramel, roasty bitterness, and hop punch.
Enter rye – a wildcard malt with a bit of a kick! When tossed into a beer’s malt bill, rye brings a distinctive peppery note that cuts through the hops and adds a spicy complexity. It’s bold, but when paired with the right hops (think classic West Coast citrus and pine), it can create magic in a glass.
So, while hops might get all the glory, malt is doing some serious heavy lifting under the hood. From creamy textures to roasty depth to spicy kicks, the grain bill shapes the beer just as much as the hops. There’s a whole malty-tude of flavour waiting in every glass – time to give malt the recognition it deserves!
FEATURED IN HOP QUEST - BOX #16
- White Bay - As Good As I Once Was; an American-style brown ale.
- Hawkers - Four Seasons: Autumn 2025; a double red IPA.
- Dainton - Red Eye Rye; a hoppy red ale.
- Bridge Road x Adnams - Dark Harvest 2025; a black IPA.
What to explore malt in IPAs further?
Shop classic malty IPA styles at Carwyn Cellar and explore this unique style!
