What's IPA?
Sometimes these discussions are like watching Sideways, through a beer mug.
IPA = India Pale Ale.
T'was brewed especially to survive the grueling journey from Limeyland to India during the days of the Raj. At some time in the late 1800s, a ship wrecked off the English coast and the IPA on board was salvaged by the locals. They got a taste of IPA and liked it, so the brewers very sensibly made it available at home.
Bonus booze-related history: tonic water was also a product of the Raj-era. It contains quinine which was believed to help stave off malaria. It was typically mixed with gin, which was believed to help stave off boredom.