Cold IPAs have quickly become a favourite among craft beer lovers who are after bold hop character paired with a crisp, clean finish. But what exactly sets a Cold IPA apart from other styles? How is it brewed, and what unique spins have we put on it here at Full Circle Brewery? In this blog, we’ll explore what defines a Cold IPA, break down the brewing process, and highlight some of the standout Cold IPAs we’ve proudly crafted at Full Circle.
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What Exactly is a Cold IPA?
A Cold IPA is a modern style of India Pale Ale that blends the bold hop character of a traditional IPA with he crisp, clean qualities of a lager.
Different to hazy or juicy IPAs, which are also often fruity as soft, a Cold IPA is designed to be a clear, light-bodied beer that is highly drinkable and stands out from the thicker, sweeter IPA's that dominate the craft beer scene.
So, Why 'Cold' IPA?
Despite the name, a Cold IPA isn’t called “cold” because it’s served at a lower temperature than other beers.
The “cold” in Cold IPA actually refers to the use of cold-fermenting lager yeast , which sets it apart from traditional IPAs that typically use warm-fermenting ale yeast. This lager yeast, often fermented at slightly warmer temperatures than usual, produces a beer that’s cleaner, crisper, and drier. Think of it as a West Coast IPA meets a pilsner!
Charactersistics of a Cold IPA
Flavour Profile
A Cold IPA offers a crisp, hop-forward flavour profile with bright notes of citrus, tropical fruit, and subtle pine or resin. It’s dry and clean, with a firm bitterness, minimal malt presence and low malt presence—often achieved with adjuncts like rice or corn for a lighter body.
High carbonation enhances its refreshing quality, while the clean fermentation profile—usually from lager yeast fermented warm—keeps the focus on the hops.
Colour
In terms of colour, a cold IPA typically ranges from pale gold to light amber, often appearing clear and bright rather than hazy. It’s usually a touch deeper in hue than a pilsner but lighter than a traditional west coast IPA.
The use of highly fermentable adjuncts like rice and or corn and clean fermentation process.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel of a Cold IPA is typically crisp, clean, and highly carbonated , giving it a refreshing, almost snappy texture. There’s a noticeable dry finish that accentuates the hop bitterness and keeps the beer from feeling heavy.
The carbonation adds a lively, effervescent quality that lifts the hop flavours and enhances drinkability. Overall, the mouthfeel supports the Cold IPA’s core goal: delivering bold hop flavor in a sleek, refreshing package.
Production
Unlike traditional IPAs, which are typically brewed with warmer fermentation and ale yeast, a cold IPA exchanges a typical IPA yeast with a lager yeast which is cleaner and fermented at temperatures ranging between 55-65°F (13-18°C).
This blended recipe allows the cold IPA to retain the clean, refreshing finish of a lager whilst showcasing bright, punchy flavours.
The grain bill for a cold IPA often includes a higher proportion of adjuncts like rice and corn to help enhance the body and create a dry, snappy finish.
Hops are typically added during the whirlpool process and dry hopping, a brewing technique where dried hops are added after the primary fermentation. These hops are varieties selected from the American and Southern hemispheres that deliver tropical, piney notes.
After the fermentation process, the beer is cold-conditioned (or 'lagered') to smooth out the flavours resulting in a highly sessionable beer!
Our Brand New Cold IPA!
In collaboration with our friends at Hackney Church, we’ve brewed one of our all-time favourite styles — the Cold IPA. This is a classic IPA fermented with lager yeast, bringing all the bold, hop-forward character you’d expect from an IPA, but with a cleaner, crisper finish.
We loaded the whirlpool with CTZ and Idaho hops, then dry-hopped with Krush and Cashmere for a bright, tropical burst. Expect big, juicy mango aromas, complemented by notes of papaya, lemon, and lime zest — a refreshing, vibrant flavour profile made for warm summer evenings.
FAQs
What is the ABV of a Cold IPA?
Most Cold IPAs range from 6.0% to 7.5% ABV, similar to standard American IPAs.
Are Cold IPAs gluten-free?
Not typically. Cold IPAs are brewed with barley and other grains that contain gluten. However, some breweries may produce gluten-reduced or gluten-free versions—check the label or brewery info.
Can I drink a Cold IPA if I don’t like strong, hoppy beers?
Yes! It’s often easier to drink than some stronger, heavier IPAs because it's cleaner and crisper
Does Cold IPA have fruit flavors?
It can! Many Cold IPAs use fruity hops that give flavors like citrus, pineapple, or mango—without adding real fruit.
What food pairs well with a Cold IPA?
Cold IPAs pair well with grilled meats, spicy dishes, fried foods, and sharp cheeses. Their crispness and hop bitterness cut through rich or spicy flavors.
Does a Cold IPA taste like a lager?
A little. It has the crisp, clean finish of a lager but with bold hop flavors like an IPA.
Where can I buy Full Circle beers?
You can buy our beers either from our web shop or you can drink them in our taproom directly out our taps in in cans from our fridge!
Check our our other styles of IPA!
Interested in Trying Beers Like This.. Why not Sign Up To Our Beer Club!
Discover new and exciting beer styles like DIPA’s with our monthly subscription beer club—carefully curated and delivered to your door.
Beer club is our monthly subscription box, where you can pick up the freshest Full Circle beers every month at a discounted rate.
There are three tiers to choose from when joining our beer club, Bronze, Silver or Gold. Typcially these boxes will break down as follows: Bronze - 6 cans, Silver - 8 cans or Gold.
The beers included will be about 90% FCBC beers (as expected), however there will be occasional guests appearences from some of our close friends in the industry!
Click the link to find out more about Full Circle Beer Club and how to sign up now!
