IPA, or India Pale Ale, is a beer style that has gained immense popularity among beer lovers in recent years. Known for its bold and hop-forward characteristics, IPA offers a unique and invigorating experience for those seeking a delightful and complex beverage.
With so many IPA options available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which ones are worth trying. To help you in your beer exploration journey, we have curated a must-try list of the best IPA beers that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
1. Pliny the Elder – Russian River Brewing Company: Considered by many as the pinnacle of IPA brewing, this beer boasts a perfect balance of hop bitterness and fruity aromas. With its citrusy notes and smooth finish, Pliny the Elder has achieved a legendary status among IPA enthusiasts.
2. Heady Topper – The Alchemist: This Vermont-based brewery has created an IPA that has a cult following. Heady Topper is known for its incredibly juicy and citrusy flavors, thanks to an expert blend of hops. This unfiltered IPA is best enjoyed fresh to truly experience its intense hop character.
3. Tree House Brewing Company – Julius: Balancing the line between an IPA and a hazy, juicy beer, Julius from Tree House is revered for its tropical fruit flavors, with hints of mango and ripe citrus. The smooth mouthfeel and luscious aroma make it hard to resist.
4. Russian River Brewing Company – Blind Pig: Another gem from Russian River, Blind Pig is a classic West Coast IPA with a piney and resinous hop profile. With its moderate bitterness and well-rounded malt backbone, this beer exemplifies the traditional style of IPA.
5. Stone Brewing – Enjoy By IPA: Known for its fresh and hop-heavy approach, Stone Brewing has created an Enjoy By series that guarantees a superior IPA experience. By featuring an expiration date on the bottle, Stone emphasizes the significance of consuming IPAs while they are at their peak of hop flavor and aroma.
6. Hill Farmstead Brewery – Edward: This Vermont brewery is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, and Edward is a testament to their dedication. Combining bright citrus flavors with a floral and grassy hop profile, Edward is a well-balanced and refreshing IPA.
7. Bell’s Brewery – Two Hearted Ale: This Michigan-based brewery has crafted an IPA that has been consistently rated as one of the best. Two Hearted Ale is known for its intense hop aroma and a smooth malt backbone that creates a well-rounded and flavorful beer.
8. Dogfish Head Brewery – 90 Minute IPA: As the first continually hopped beer, 90 Minute IPA from Dogfish Head Brewery is considered a classic and has paved the way for many other hop-forward beers. This IPA offers a balanced intensity of hop flavors and a rich caramel malt undertone.
9. Lagunitas Brewing Company – Maximus: With Maximus, Lagunitas Brewing Company presents a bold and assertive IPA. Loaded with tropical fruit and citrus flavors, this strong and hoppy beer is a must-try for those seeking a robust IPA experience.
10. Sierra Nevada – Torpedo Extra IPA: Torpedo Extra IPA is a beacon of craftsmanship from Sierra Nevada. This beer showcases their innovative hop torpedo system, resulting in an explosion of citrus and pine flavors. The balance between hop bitterness and malt sweetness makes it an IPA that appeals to a wide range of beer enthusiasts.
Embark on a journey of exploring these exceptional IPA beers, each offering a distinctive twist on this beloved beer style. Whether you prefer a classic West Coast IPA or a hazy tropical delight, this must-try list will satisfy your cravings and introduce you to some of the finest IPAs available. Cheers to the exciting world of IPA!
