What is a Double IPA? IPA vs Double IPA Explained

A Double IPA (also called a DIPA or Imperial IPA) is a stronger, bolder version of a standard IPA. In simple terms, it’s an IPA turned up a notch. More hops. More malt. More alcohol.

So, what is a double IPA? It’s a beer designed to deliver bigger flavour and higher strength than a regular IPA, without losing balance.

You’ll usually find a double IPA ABV sitting between 7.5% and 10% or higher (with Pinter, it’s much lower at ~7%), making it noticeably stronger than most IPAs.

Despite the name, “double” doesn’t mean it’s literally brewed twice.

Instead, what does double IPA mean? It refers to:

That combination creates a beer that feels fuller, richer, and more intense in flavour.

If you’ve enjoyed a classic IPA before, a DIPA is simply the next step up - bigger, bolder, and more expressive.

What is an IPA?

An IPA (India Pale Ale) is a hop-forward beer known for its fresh, punchy flavour and balanced bitterness.

So, what makes an IPA stand out? It’s all about the hops - bringing notes like citrus, pine, or tropical fruit, depending on the recipe.

Most IPAs sit around 5% to 7% ABV, making them strong enough to carry flavour, but still easy to enjoy.

Historically, IPA started in Britain, brewed with extra hops to survive long journeys overseas. Over time, American brewers reworked the style, pushing hop intensity and creating the modern IPA most people recognise today.

Double IPA vs IPA: Key Differences

Here’s a simple way to compare the two:

Interestingly, not every Double IPA needs to hit 7.5-10% ABV to feel bold.

Take Pinter’s Space Hopper Double IPA, which sits at around 7% ABV but still delivers intense hop flavour, full body, and strong bitterness, showing it’s the balance, not just the alcohol, that defines the style.

What Makes a Double IPA Stronger?

A Double IPA isn’t just “stronger” by accident. It’s built that way, with a few key tweaks that change the whole drinking experience.

More Hops

This is the most noticeable difference.

Double IPAs use more hops, which means:

You’ll often pick up notes like citrus, pine, and tropical fruit, depending on the blend. It’s what gives a DIPA that bold, punchy character from the first sip.

Higher Malt Bill

To support all those hops, brewers add more malt.

Why? Because:

But it’s not just about strength. The extra malt also adds a slight sweetness and fuller body, helping balance the bitterness from the hops.

Higher ABV

All of this leads to a higher ABV (alcohol by volume).

In simple terms, a Double IPA is stronger because it contains more fermentable sugars, which turn into alcohol during brewing.

The result? A beer that feels richer, fuller, and more intense - without losing balance.

The Pinter Difference - Big Flavour, Not Just Big ABV

Pinter takes a slightly different approach to what makes a Double IPA feel “strong”.

Take Space Hopper Double IPA. At around 7% ABV, it sits lower than many traditional DIPAs. But it doesn’t drink like a lighter beer.

That’s because the intensity is built through flavour, not just alcohol:

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A high hop load delivers a strong citrus aroma and bold bitterness

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A full-bodied base gives the beer weight and presence

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Enough malt sits in the background to balance the bitterness, not overpower it

The result is a beer that feels big, punchy, and satisfying, without needing to push ABV to extremes. It’s a good reminder that with fresh beer, it’s not just about how strong it is; it’s about how much flavour you get in every pint.

Try Pinter’s Space Hopper

What Does a Double IPA Taste Like?

A Double IPA is all about bold, intense flavour. Compared to a standard IPA, everything feels bigger and more layered.

You’ll typically notice:

But it’s not just about sharpness. A good DIPA also has a richer, fuller body, which makes the flavour feel more rounded and satisfying.

Put simply:

It’s the kind of beer you take your time with, rather than something you rush through.

How Double IPAs are Brewed

At its core, brewing a Double IPA follows the same idea as a regular IPA, just dialled up.

Here’s how it works, in simple terms:

1. More Ingredients (Especially Hops and Malt)

Brewers start by adding more hops for a stronger flavour and aroma, along with more malt to support the extra intensity and alcohol.

2. Fermentation Does More Work

With more sugars from the malt, fermentation has more to convert into alcohol. This is what pushes the ABV higher while developing deeper flavour.

3. More Time to Come Together

Double IPAs are usually given a bit more time to settle and balance out, so the bold hop character and fuller body feel smooth rather than overwhelming.

In short, it’s the same process as an IPA - just pushed further at every stage.

With Pinter, that same principle applies, but in a much simpler way. You’re still working with the same core elements - hops, malt, and yeast - just carefully balanced to create a beer that feels bigger, fresher, and ready to enjoy at home.

Can You Brew IPA-Style Beers at Home?

Short answer: Yes, and it’s much simpler than most people expect.

Home brewing used to mean bulky equipment, long processes, and a lot of guesswork. But with Pinter, it’s been stripped back to the essentials.

You’re working with pre-measured ingredients, simple steps, and a guided process, so you can focus on the result, not the complexity.

At its simplest, it’s:

That’s it. No complicated setup, no specialist skills needed.

Want to check out our Pinters? Click here.

Our IPA-style beers are among the most popular to brew at home. They’re bold, flavour-led, and rewarding - you can taste the hops, the balance, and the freshness straight away.

Explore a full range of IPA-style beers, including:

Each one gives you a slightly different take on hop character, from crisp and citrusy to full-bodied and intense, all brewed fresh at home.

And that freshness matters. Because you’re drinking the beer straight from the Pinter, you get maximum flavour, aroma, and character, without it sitting in storage or transport.

IPA vs Double IPA: Which One Should You Choose?

It really comes down to how and when you want to drink it. Both styles have their place; it’s just about the occasion.

Go for an IPA if you want:

Choose a Double IPA if you want:

A simple way to think about it:

There’s no right or wrong choice, just what fits the moment.

Final Thoughts: Understanding Double IPA

A Double IPA (DIPA) is, at its core, a stronger, hoppier version of a classic IPA.

But it’s not just about higher alcohol. What really defines the style is flavour intensity - bigger hop character, fuller body, and a more layered drinking experience.

That’s why a well-made Double IPA doesn’t just taste stronger. It tastes bolder, richer, and more expressive.

If you enjoy IPAs, exploring DIPAs is simply the next step, and with modern home brewing through Pinter, it’s easier than ever to try it for yourself. Get started with brewing your own fresh beer at home.

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About the author

Will Kirkham

Head Brewer

Will leads brewing at Pinter, turning fresh ingredients into crisp, drinkable beer that anyone can make at home.