What is a common flavor associated with IPA beers?

India Pale Ales (IPAs) are well known for their prominent hop characteristics, which are responsible for the strong, bitter flavor profile that sets them apart from other beer styles. Hops contribute to the beer's bitterness, aroma, and flavor, often presenting notes of pine, citrus, and floral elements. This hop-forward nature is a hallmark of IPAs, reflecting their roots in the English brewing tradition and the American craft beer movement, where brewers often experiment with different hop varieties to create unique flavor combinations.

While sweetness from malt and other flavors can be present in an IPA, the defining characteristic is the bitterness from the hops, which balances the malt sweetness and enhances the overall complexity of the beer. Other flavors such as fruity esters from yeast or roasted flavors from barley do not typically dominate the profile of a traditional IPA, making them less central to what defines the style compared to hop bitterness.