" . . originating in England in the early 1800’s, IPA was brewed
to survive the voyage to the troops all around the world where
many were stationed in India, where the hot climate wasn’t
conducive to brewing. The beer was brewed strong and hoppy to
prevent spoilage during the long trip, and the extreme
temperature changes combined with the rolling of the seas
resulted in a highly attenuated beer upon arrival." Kegworks
blog, http://www.kegworks.com/blog/2010/09/13/top-5-american-
ipa/ "The original English IPAs were very strong and extremely
hoppy, running 7-10% alcohol by volume. Brewers soon began
producing similar ales for domestic consumption, but toned down
both the alcohol content and the bitterness. This was partly as
an effort to cater to consumer wishes, and partly because of the
English taxation system. Until 1880, taxes were charged based on
the raw materials used in the brewing process, but with passage
of the “Free Mash Tun Act,” the tax assessment became based on
the alcohol potential of the brew