Which of the following is a characteristic IBU range for English IPA?

The correct characteristic IBU range for English IPA is 40-60. This range reflects the style's emphasis on hop bitterness while also allowing for a balanced malt backbone. English IPAs are known for their moderate to high bitterness, which comes from the use of traditional English hop varieties such as East Kent Goldings and Fuggles. These hops provide a distinctive floral and earthy aroma that complements the bitterness, leading to a well-rounded flavor profile.

In the context of the other options, the ranges provided do not accurately capture the expected bitterness associated with English IPAs. Lower ranges such as 25-35 or 20-45 signify less hoppy bitterness, which is more characteristic of styles such as English pale ales or mild ales, while the 8-14 range is significantly lower and aligns more with very low-hop beers, not an IPA, which is defined by its hop character. The 40-60 IBU range is, therefore, appropriate for English IPAs, reflecting their identity as a hoppy beer style while still respecting their malt characteristics.