If you’ve ever spotted ‘Double IPA’ on a beer menu in Malta and wondered what makes it ‘double,’ you’re not alone. A Double IPA (also known as an Imperial IPA) is a stronger, hoppier, and more intense version of a standard India Pale Ale. It’s bold. It’s aromatic. And it’s unapologetically full of character. For craft beer lovers in Malta, Double IPAs represent the bigger, bolder side of brewing, where hops take centre stage and flavour doesn’t hold back. What Makes a Double IPA Different? A Double IPA isn’t just a regular IPA with a higher alcohol percentage. It’s built differently from the ground up. Here’s what sets it apart: 1. Higher Alcohol Content Most Double IPAs range all the way up to 10% ABV, compared to standard IPAs at 5-7%. The increased malt base provides fermentable sugars to support the higher strength. 2. Bigger Hop Character Expect: Piney bitterness Bold citrus Tropical fruit Resinous, dank aromas Double IPAs use generous hop additions throughout the boil and ...
There’s something special about looking back. Not in a “things were better back then” way, but in the quiet realisation of how far you’ve come and why change was always part of the plan. At Lord Chambray, change hasn’t meant losing who we are. It’s meant refining it. Learning. Improving. Brewing better beer, in better ways, for the same people we’ve always brewed for; beer lovers, locals and travellers alike. Where It All Began Lord Chambray opened its doors in Gozo in 2014, at a time when craft beer in Malta was still finding its feet. Back then, the idea was simple: brew flavour‑driven beer inspired by the island we call home, and share it with a growing community of curious drinkers. The early days were hands‑on and experimental. Small batches. Big learning curves. Long conversations over pints poured straight from the source. The brewery and taproom quickly became more than a place to drink beer. It became a place to gather. Growth Without Losing the Soul Over the past decade, a l...