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What Is a Double IPA? A Guide to Bold Craft Beer (Featuring 67 IPA)

 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.

Taps at the Taproom

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 often heavy dry hopping to amplify aroma.

3. Fuller Body

To balance the intense hop bitterness, brewers use more malt. This creates:

  • A richer mouthfeel

  • Subtle sweetness

  • Greater complexity

The result? A beer that’s powerful but balanced.

A Brief History of the Double IPA

Double IPAs emerged from the American craft beer movement in the 1990s. Brewers began experimenting with pushing hop limits, while increasing bitterness, aroma, and alcohol, to create something that stood apart from mainstream lagers.

Today, the style is a staple in craft breweries worldwide, including right here in Malta with us at Lord Chambray. Our 67 IPA is also brewed in collaboration with our sister bar in Valletta, 67 Kapitali, where you can try it too! 

Is a Double IPA for Everyone?

Not necessarily, and that’s part of its charm. If you’re new to craft beer, you might start with a golden ale, like our Golden Bay, or a session IPA such as Grand Harbour, but if you enjoy bold flavours, layered bitterness, and aromatic complexity, a Double IPA is absolutely worth exploring.

People enjoying beers in the Taproom of Lord Chambray in Malta

67 IPA: A Double IPA Brewed in Gozo

At Lord Chambray, our take on the style is our 67 IPA, a collaboration brew that embraces the old-school Double IPA tradition. Brewed in Gozo, 67 IPA is piney, citrusy, boldly bitter and crisp yet commanding.

This isn’t a hazy, juice-forward IPA. It’s a tribute to the classic West Coast style, which is clear, assertive, and proudly hoppy. It’s flavour profile features resinous pine, grapefruit zest, bright citrus peel and a clean, dry finish.

You can try 67 IPA at our Taproom in Gozo, order it through our online shop, or find it at selected Local Heroes across Malta and Gozo.

Alt Text: 67 IPA, Lord Chambray’s Double IPA

What Foods Pair Well With a Double IPA?

Because of its bold bitterness and higher alcohol, Double IPA pairs beautifully with strong flavours.

Try it with:

  • Thai spice

  • Indian curries

  • Pork schnitzel

  • Mature cheddar

The bitterness cuts through richness, while citrus notes complement spice.

Final Thoughts

A Double IPA isn’t subtle, and it’s not meant to be. It’s a celebration of hops, strength, and balance. A style born from experimentation and perfected by craft brewers who aren’t afraid to push flavour boundaries.

And here in Malta, 67 IPA carries that tradition forward, proudly brewed in Gozo, boldly enjoyed wherever you are. Ready to try one?
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Location: Gozo, Malta

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