IPAs, or India Pale Ales, have become one of the most popular beer styles in recent years. This hop-forward beer originated in England in the 19th century and was developed to survive the long sea voyage to India. Since then, IPAs have evolved into a diverse range of styles, with different levels of bitterness, hop flavors, and alcohol content.

One of the reasons for the popularity of IPAs is their versatility. They can be paired with a wide range of foods, from spicy dishes to rich meats and cheeses. The hoppy bitterness of an IPA can cut through the richness of fatty foods, while the fruity and floral notes can complement the flavors of spicy dishes. IPAs are also a popular choice for beer enthusiasts who enjoy exploring the different flavor profiles of different hop varieties. With so many different styles and variations available, there is an IPA for every palate.

What are IPAs?

IPAs, or India Pale Ales, are a type of beer that originated in England in the 18th century. They are known for their hoppy flavors, high alcohol content, and bitter finish. IPAs have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many breweries creating their own unique styles.

History of IPAs

The history of IPAs goes back to the 1700s when British brewers started exporting beer to India. The long journey caused the beer to spoil, so brewers added extra hops to the beer to act as a natural preservative. This resulted in a beer that was much stronger and more bitter than traditional English ales.

Over time, IPAs became popular in England and eventually made their way to the United States. American brewers began experimenting with different hop varieties and brewing techniques, creating their own unique styles of IPAs.

IPA Styles

There are several different styles of IPAs, each with their own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular styles include:

• American IPA: This style is known for its intense hop flavors and aromas, with a strong bitterness that lingers on the palate. American IPAs often use citrusy or piney hops and have a higher alcohol content than traditional English IPAs.
• New England IPA: This is a hazy, unfiltered IPA that has low bitterness and a juicy, fruity flavor. New England IPAs are often brewed with hops that have tropical fruit and citrus flavors.
• Black IPA: Also known as a Cascadian Dark Ale, this style combines the hoppy bitterness of an IPA with the dark, roasty flavors of a stout or porter.
• Sour IPA: This is a relatively new style that combines the tart, sour flavors of a sour beer with the hoppy bitterness of an IPA. Sour IPAs can be brewed with a variety of fruits and spices to create unique flavor profiles.

Overall, IPAs are a diverse and ever-evolving style of beer that offer something for everyone. Whether you prefer a classic English IPA or a bold, experimental American IPA, there is sure to be an IPA that suits your taste.

West Coast IPAs

West Coast IPAs are one of the most popular beer styles in the United States. They are known for their hop-forward flavor profile, high bitterness, and dry finish. In this section, we will explore the characteristics of West Coast IPAs and some of the most popular ones.

Characteristics of West Coast IPAs

West Coast IPAs are characterized by their intense hop flavor and aroma. They are typically brewed with American hops, which are known for their piney, resinous, and citrusy flavors. The bitterness of West Coast IPAs is also high, with an IBU (International Bitterness Units) range of 50-100. The alcohol content of West Coast IPAs is usually higher than other IPAs, with an ABV (Alcohol by Volume) range of 6-7.5%.

West Coast IPAs are also known for their dry finish. This is achieved by using a high percentage of pale malt and a low percentage of crystal malt in the brewing process. The result is a crisp and refreshing beer that is perfect for hot summer days.

Popular West Coast IPAs

There are many great West Coast IPAs on the market. Here are a few of the most popular ones:

• Sierra Nevada Brewing Company’s Torpedo Extra IPA: This beer is brewed with Magnum, Crystal, and Citra hops, giving it a complex flavor profile with notes of pine, citrus, and tropical fruit.
• Anchor Brewing Company’s Liberty Ale: This beer is brewed with Cascade hops, giving it a floral and spicy flavor. It is also dry-hopped for extra aroma.
• Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Commodore Perry IPA: This beer is brewed with Cascade and Willamette hops, giving it a balanced flavor profile with notes of grapefruit and pine.

Overall, West Coast IPAs are a great choice for beer lovers who enjoy hoppy and bitter beers. They are perfect for pairing with spicy foods, grilled meats, and strong cheeses.

East Coast IPAs

When it comes to IPAs, the East Coast offers a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from the West Coast. East Coast IPAs are known for their smoother, juicier, fruitier taste with a stronger citrus kick. Unlike West Coast IPAs, they don’t start with a bang of bitterness. Instead, it’s more sweet on the front end, then bitter at the finish.

Characteristics of East Coast IPAs

East Coast IPAs are brewed with a focus on hop flavor and aroma rather than bitterness. They typically have a hazy appearance due to the use of unfiltered hops and yeast. The brewing process for East Coast IPAs involves adding a majority of the hops later in the process, which reintroduces the flavor of the hops without imparting a ton of bitterness.

Another characteristic of East Coast IPAs is their use of fruity and juicy hops such as Citra, Mosaic, and Galaxy. These hops impart flavors of tropical fruit, citrus, and stone fruit, creating a refreshing and easy-to-drink beer.

Popular East Coast IPAs

1. Heady Topper by The Alchemist Brewery: This Vermont-based brewery is known for producing some of the best IPAs in the country, and Heady Topper is no exception. This double IPA is brewed with a variety of hops and has a citrusy, piney flavor with a slight bitterness.
2. Pliny the Elder by Russian River Brewing: This California brewery is known for its West Coast-style IPAs, but Pliny the Elder is a beloved East Coast-style IPA. It has a floral and citrusy aroma with a balanced bitterness and a dry finish.
3. Tropicalia by Creature Comforts Brewing: This Georgia brewery’s flagship IPA has a hazy appearance and is brewed with a blend of hops that impart flavors of tropical fruit, citrus, and pine. It has a smooth and juicy mouthfeel with a mild bitterness.

In summary, East Coast IPAs offer a distinct flavor profile that sets them apart from West Coast IPAs. They are brewed with a focus on hop flavor and aroma rather than bitterness and use fruity and juicy hops to create a refreshing and easy-to-drink beer. Some popular East Coast IPAs include Heady Topper by The Alchemist Brewery, Pliny the Elder by Russian River Brewing, and Tropicalia by Creature Comforts Brewing.

New England IPAs

New England IPAs, also known as NEIPAs, are a popular style of beer that originated in the northeastern region of the United States. They are characterized by their hazy, unfiltered appearance, low bitterness, and strong malt backbone. NEIPAs are double dry-hopped, which means that hops are added twice during the brewing process to enhance their fruity flavors.

Characteristics of New England IPAs

NEIPAs have a distinct appearance and flavor profile that sets them apart from other IPAs. Some of the key characteristics of New England IPAs include:

• Hazy, unfiltered appearance
• Low bitterness
• Strong malt backbone
• Double dry-hopped
• Fruity flavors such as mango, tropical, and citrus

The hazy appearance of NEIPAs is due to the high amount of protein and yeast that remains in the beer after the brewing process. This also contributes to the smooth, creamy mouthfeel that is characteristic of this style.

NEIPAs are also known for their low bitterness, which is achieved by adding hops late in the brewing process. This results in a beer that is more balanced and less bitter than traditional IPAs.

Popular New England IPAs

There are many popular New England IPAs on the market today. Some of the most highly rated and sought-after NEIPAs include:

• Harpoon Hoppy Adventure
• Tree House Julius
• Trillium Fort Point
• Alchemist Heady Topper
• Other Half All Green Everything

Each of these beers has its own unique flavor profile, but they all share the hazy, fruity characteristics that are typical of New England IPAs.

In conclusion, New England IPAs are a popular style of beer that are known for their hazy appearance, low bitterness, and fruity flavors. They are a great choice for beer lovers who are looking for a more balanced and complex IPA experience.

Double IPAs

Double IPAs, also known as Imperial IPAs or DIPAs, are a popular variation of the classic IPA. They are known for their high ABV and bitterness, making them a favorite among hopheads. In this section, we will explore the characteristics of Double IPAs and some of the most popular Double IPAs available.

Characteristics of Double IPAs

Double IPAs are essentially a stronger, hoppier, and more bitter version of the classic IPA. They typically have an ABV of 7.5% or higher, with some reaching as high as 12%. The high alcohol content is balanced by a significant malt backbone, which provides a sweetness that complements the bitterness of the hops.

Double IPAs are often dry-hopped, which means that hops are added during or after fermentation to enhance the aroma and flavor of the beer. This process can result in a range of flavors and aromas, from citrus and tropical fruit to pine and resin.

Popular Double IPAs

There are many popular Double IPAs available, each with its own unique flavor profile. Here are a few examples:

• Pliny the Elder: Brewed by Russian River Brewing Company, this Double IPA is named after the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder. It is dry-hopped with a blend of hops, resulting in a complex flavor profile that includes notes of citrus, pine, and tropical fruit.
• Heady Topper: Brewed by The Alchemist, this Double IPA is known for its hazy appearance and intense hop aroma. It is dry-hopped with a blend of hops, resulting in a flavor profile that includes notes of grapefruit, pine, and tropical fruit.
• Double Two Hearted: Brewed by Bell’s Brewery, this Double IPA is a variation of the classic Two Hearted Ale. It is dry-hopped with Centennial hops, resulting in a flavor profile that includes notes of pine, orange, and grapefruit.
• Enjoy By: Brewed by Stone Brewing, this Double IPA is known for its fresh hop flavor. It is dry-hopped with a blend of hops, resulting in a flavor profile that includes notes of tropical fruit, citrus, and pine.

Double IPAs are a popular choice among beer enthusiasts who enjoy bold, hoppy beers. With their high ABV and complex flavor profiles, they are a great choice for those who want to explore the modern craft beer scene.

Session IPAs

Session IPAs are a popular beer style that has gained traction in recent years. These beers are a lighter version of the classic India Pale Ale (IPA), with lower alcohol content and fewer calories. They are designed to be enjoyed in larger quantities without leaving you feeling too full or intoxicated. In this section, we will explore the characteristics of Session IPAs and some of the most popular brands on the market.

Characteristics of Session IPAs

Session IPAs are typically defined as having an alcohol content of 5% or less, making them a lower-alcohol alternative to traditional IPAs. They also tend to have a lower bitterness level, making them more approachable for those who are not fans of the strong hoppy flavor of regular IPAs. They are often described as having a light, crisp body and a refreshing finish.

Despite their lower alcohol content, Session IPAs are still packed with flavor. They typically have a strong hop aroma, with notes of citrus, pine, and tropical fruit. The hop flavor is also prominent, with a balance of bitterness and sweetness that makes for a well-rounded taste.

Popular Session IPAs

There are many great Session IPAs on the market, each with its own unique flavor profile. Here are a few of the most popular brands:

• Founders All Day IPA: This beer is a classic example of a Session IPA, with a light body and a hoppy flavor. It has a 4.7% ABV and is available year-round.
• Lagunitas DayTime IPA: This beer is a bit stronger than some other Session IPAs, with a 4.65% ABV. It has a light, crisp body and a hoppy flavor with notes of grapefruit and pine.
• Firestone Walker Easy Jack: This beer is a bit more complex than some other Session IPAs, with a blend of hops that creates a unique flavor profile. It has a 4.5% ABV and is available year-round.
• Oskar Blues Pinner Throwback IPA: This beer is a great option for those who want a lower-alcohol beer without sacrificing flavor. It has a 4.9% ABV and a hoppy flavor with notes of tropical fruit and citrus.

In conclusion, Session IPAs are a great option for those who want to enjoy the flavor of an IPA without the high alcohol content. They are light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, making them a great choice for any occasion. With so many great options on the market, there is sure to be a Session IPA that will satisfy your taste buds.

The Best IPAs

When it comes to IPAs, there are a few that stand out above the rest. Here are three of the best IPAs on the market today:

Pliny the Elder

Pliny the Elder from Russian River Brewing Company is widely considered to be one of the best IPAs in the world. It’s a double IPA that’s brewed with Amarillo, Centennial, CTZ, and Simcoe hops, which give it a complex, citrusy flavor. Pliny the Elder has won numerous awards over the years and is highly sought after by beer enthusiasts.

Heady Topper

Heady Topper from The Alchemist is another highly regarded IPA. It’s a double IPA that’s brewed with a blend of hops that give it a unique, tropical flavor. Heady Topper is known for its cloudy appearance, which is due to the fact that it’s unfiltered. It’s a beer that’s hard to find outside of Vermont, but it’s worth seeking out if you can get your hands on it.

Julius

Julius from Tree House Brewing Company is a New England-style IPA that’s become incredibly popular in recent years. It’s brewed with a blend of hops that give it a juicy, citrusy flavor. Julius is known for its hazy appearance and smooth mouthfeel. It’s a beer that’s highly sought after and can be difficult to find outside of Massachusetts.

Each of these IPAs has its own unique flavor profile and is highly regarded by beer enthusiasts. If you’re a fan of IPAs, be sure to give these beers a try.

Conclusion

IPAs have become a beloved beer style among craft beer enthusiasts. They are known for their hop-forward profile, which can range from bitter to juicy. Logical Conclusion IPA by Threes Brewing is a popular example of the style, featuring a blend of hand-selected Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic hops. It has won over IPA doubters and lovers alike.

While IPAs are not for everyone, they have a loyal following. They are often paired with spicy foods or enjoyed on their own. IPAs are also versatile in terms of brewing methods, with variations such as West Coast, New England, and Brut IPAs.

It is important to note that IPAs are not the only beer style available. There are many other styles, such as stouts, lagers, and sours, that offer different flavor profiles. It is up to the individual to decide which beer style they prefer.

In conclusion, IPAs have become a staple in the craft beer world, offering a range of hop-forward flavors. While they may not be for everyone, they have a dedicated following and are worth trying for those who enjoy a bitter or juicy beer.