The beer’s unusual name, Restorative Beverage for Invalids and Convalescents, comes from a passage in a 19th century medical text book which describes a dry IPA as a “most valuable restorative beverage.”
The brewing team made the beer with hops renown for their bitterness, such as Citra and Amarillo, in a bid to make it as dry as the original.
“This is the biggest, baddest, most uplifting IPA we have ever made,” said co-founder James Watt.
“A beer for the hopheads and thrill seekers. We had to go back a hundred years ago to provide a glimpse of what the future of the IPA could be. You think you know IPA, but you have no idea.
“Restorative Beverage for Invalids and Convalescents is the new standard bearer for IPAs. History has begotten history, the India Pale Ale will never be the same again.”
Seperately, Arkell’s Brewery has launched another medically inspired brew - Hoperation IPA - in a bid to tap into the lasting popularity of hoppy IPA-style beers.
“We don’t promise that its beer will cure your ailments, but a pint or two might certainly help you forget about them for a while,” said brewer Alex Arkell.
The 4.5% ABV ale is brewed with oats and wheat for a smooth rounded finish and English and American hops to give the beer a powerful hop flavour.