Which of the following describes an IPA?

The correct choice describes an IPA, or India Pale Ale, as being characterized by its hoppy, bitter, and piney flavors. IPAs are known for their strong hop presence, which contributes to their distinct bitterness and aromatic profile. The hops used in brewing IPAs can impart a variety of flavor notes, often including floral, citrus, and pine characteristics, which makes them appealing to those who enjoy a more robust beer flavor. This particular description aligns with the standard attributes of IPAs, widely recognized in the craft beer community.

Other descriptions do not accurately capture the essence of an IPA. Crisp and cold typically refer to lighter lager beers, while sweet and fruity may be more associated with styles that utilize a significant amount of fruit or sugar in the brewing process, such as certain wheat beers or fruited sours. Strong and malty descriptions usually apply to darker beers, like stouts and porters, where the malt sweetness and body dominate the flavor, rather than the hop-forward profile that defines IPAs.